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Mandatory Fun
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Mandatory Fun Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 69 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest release for the musical humorist "Weird Al" Yankovic features parodies of songs sung by Iggy Azalea, Imagine Dragons, Lorde, Robin Thicke, and Pharrell Williams.
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  • Record Label: RCA
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Comedy/Spoken, Comedy Rock, Novelty, Song Parody
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Top Track

Foil
I never seem to finish all my food I always get a doggie bag from the waiter So I just keep what's still unchewed And I take it home, save it for... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Jul 15, 2014
    100
    Mandatory Fun is a stone cold masterpiece.
  2. The A.V. Club
    Jul 15, 2014
    83
    Despite these missteps ["Sports Song" annd "Inactive"], the album is a rousing success; it’s both a smart meta-commentary on pop music and a collection that never takes itself too seriously.
  3. AllMusic
    Jul 21, 2014
    80
    Wonders never cease on Mandatory Fun, and neither do the laughs.
  4. Paste Magazine
    Jul 15, 2014
    77
    Mandatory Fun is a good, humorous album that shows that Yankovic is not slowing down in the slightest.
  5. Billboard.com
    Jul 15, 2014
    76
    The Weird One delivers the reprocessed goods, though it's his original tunes — done in the idiosyncratic styles of his favorite artists--that truly warrant repeat listening.
  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jul 18, 2014
    70
    It’s impossible to predict which of today’s hit songs will become tomorrow’s classics, but at least Mandatory Fun, Weird Al’s 14th studio album, delivers on the laughs.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Jul 15, 2014
    60
    Sure, there’s a touch of hypocrisy in a guy as gloriously tacky as Al taking shots at the shameless but who really cares when it’s this much fun.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Soldier23
    May 3, 2015
    10
    This is my favorite comedy album of all time. Weird Al delivers excellent hits such as "Word Crimes" and "Foil". My ratings for each song are:This is my favorite comedy album of all time. Weird Al delivers excellent hits such as "Word Crimes" and "Foil". My ratings for each song are:

    1. Handy (9.75)
    2. Lame Claim To Fame (8)
    3. Foil (10)
    4. Sports Song (9.50)
    5. Word Crimes (10)
    6. My Own Eyes (7.75)
    7. NOW That's What I Call Polka (10)
    8. Mission Statement (7.5)
    9. Inactive (8.75)
    10. First World Problems (8)
    11. Tacky (10)
    12. Jackson Park Express (6.75)

    Overall, I love this album and Weird Al. I also recommend this to everyone who likes comedy.    … Expand
  2. cogo40
    Jul 21, 2014
    10
    This album certainly is better than his previous effort, Alpocalypse. The parodies are much stronger, and the originals don't feel like halfThis album certainly is better than his previous effort, Alpocalypse. The parodies are much stronger, and the originals don't feel like half finished ideas. His parodies make the original songs more tolerable. This album was a great first listen, and any fan of mainstream would enjoy a new twist on their favorite songs. Go listen to it.… Expand
  4. Comrade_Critic
    Jul 15, 2014
    10
    The Vicar of Yanks has done it again! "Handy" just might be the song of the summer. Al's take on Lorde's hit Royals is equally hilarious. AThe Vicar of Yanks has done it again! "Handy" just might be the song of the summer. Al's take on Lorde's hit Royals is equally hilarious. A definite buy for fans of funny music.… Expand
  5. official_jrizz
    Sep 14, 2014
    10
    Certainly Al's best in recent times. I'm a huge Al fan, and I have almost everything he's ever put out, but "Word Crimes" and "Sports Songs"Certainly Al's best in recent times. I'm a huge Al fan, and I have almost everything he's ever put out, but "Word Crimes" and "Sports Songs" are the first classics he's put out since Poodle Hat ("Ode to a Superhero" and "eBay"). The comedy aspect plus Weird Al's both musical and writing talent makes Mandatory Fun an instant classic and a must-have.… Expand
  6. PyongyangMayor
    Aug 17, 2014
    9
    This is an amazing album. Maybe not the best album he's done (Alapalooza & Running with Scissors are pretty damn good too) but this album isThis is an amazing album. Maybe not the best album he's done (Alapalooza & Running with Scissors are pretty damn good too) but this album is still awesome. BUY IT!… Expand
  7. Pelelovesball
    May 4, 2020
    9
    This is the only album by my favorite artist that I’ve listened to all the songs. I like all weird al albums but this is my favorite
  8. twaddle
    Jul 20, 2014
    7
    All the original tunes are great however the songs chosen to be parodied leave a little to be desired. This isn't Mr. Yankovic's fault sinceAll the original tunes are great however the songs chosen to be parodied leave a little to be desired. This isn't Mr. Yankovic's fault since the popular music of today is truly god-awful. I just wish he would have parodied a few rock songs or at least a few artists that are actually good.… Expand

See all 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed Album of 2014