Ten years ago, “Weird Al” Yankovic achieved a significant milestone in his career with the release of his 14th and final studio album, “Mandatory Fun,” which made history by debuting at the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. This accomplishment was not only a personal triumph for Yankovic but also a groundbreaking moment for the comedy genre, as no comedy album had ever reached No. 1 before.
In a recent interview, Yankovic reflected on the unexpected success of “Mandatory Fun” and his decision to step away from traditional album releases in favor of more creative freedom. He expressed his desire to release music on his terms without being tied to a record label.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of “Mandatory Fun,” Yankovic has unveiled a new polka medley titled “Polkamania!” The medley features clever covers of popular songs from the past decade, including hits by artists like Billie Eilish, Adele, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift.
Yankovic explained that the selection process for the songs in the medley involved choosing chart-topping tracks that were iconic and memorable. He also shared that artists such as Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Eilish were enthusiastic about being included in the polka medley, while SZA did not respond to the invitation.
Known for his signature polka medleys, Yankovic discussed the humor and appeal of the accordion in his music. He highlighted the comedic element of polka music, which he embraced early in his career and incorporated into his unique style of parody.
Reflecting on his groundbreaking parody of Michael Jackson's “Beat It” with “Eat It,” Yankovic recalled how the song catapulted him to fame and opened doors for future musical endeavors. Despite not planning a traditional album release in the near future, Yankovic hinted at potential new music projects on the horizon.
As fans eagerly anticipate more music from “Weird Al” Yankovic, his legacy of musical comedy continues to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide.
