Best known for creating comedy songs, “Weird Al” Yankovic has sold more than 12 million albums—more than any other comedy act in history—recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and performed more than 1,000 live shows. “Weird Al” Yankovic discography consists of fourteen studio albums, one soundtrack album, nine compilation albums, eleven video albums, two extended plays, two box sets, forty-six singles and fifty-four music videos.
Renowned comedy musician “Weird Al” Yankovic started playing the accordion at age seven after his parents bought him lessons from a door-to-door salesman. ∙ At age 16, Yankovic got his first break when nationally syndicated radio DJ Dr. Demento played a homemade tape of his song “Belvedere Cruisin’” on the air.
In 1979, after The Knack’s Doug Fieger heard Yankovic’s “My Sharona” parody, “My Bologna,” he helped get Yankovic a deal with Capitol Records, which released the song as a single. ∙ MTV made Yankovic a star in 1983 when it began airing “Ricky,” his I Love Lucy-themed parody of Toni Basil’s hit “Mickey.” ∙ The popular video for “Eat It,” a takeoff on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” propelled the single to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. ∙ His “Smells Like Teen Spirit” parody video, “Smells Like Nirvana,” was shot on the same set and used some of the same extras as Nirvana’s iconic clip.
Yankovic finally made the Top 10 in 2006 with “White & Nerdy,” a parody of “Ridin’” by Chamillionaire, who gave Yankovic props for his rhyme skills. ∙ In 2014, 38 years into his career, Mandatory Fun became his first No. 1 album. ∙ A five-time Grammy Award winner, Yankovic has had six Platinum and four Gold albums, selling more than 13 million copies—the most of any comedy act in history. So, if you are a die heart fan of Weird Al Yankovic Albums then check out here we have list of Weird Al Yankovic albums in order of release so far.
All Weird Al Yankovic Albums Available on: Apple Music
All Weird Al Yankovic Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. “Weird Al” Yankovic (1983)
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s self-titled debut album, released in 1983, was a hilarious and irreverent take on the popular music of the time. Yankovic’s unique brand of musical comedy combined clever wordplay, catchy melodies, and absurd humor to create a style that was entirely his own.
The album featured parodies of hit songs from artists such as Toni Basil, Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Queen, and The Knack, as well as original comedic tracks like “I’ll Be Mellow When I’m Dead” and “Buckingham Blues.”
Yankovic’s clever and inventive approach to parodying popular music quickly gained him a devoted following, and the album went on to become a cult classic. With its blend of humor, satire, and musical talent, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s debut album set the stage for a long and successful career as one of the most beloved musical comedians of all time.
2. “Weird Al” Yankovic in 3-D (1984)
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s “In 3-D” album, released in 1984, marked a turning point in his career, establishing him as a comedic musical force to be reckoned with. The album features many of Yankovic’s trademark parody songs, including “Eat It,” a spoof of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” and “I Lost on Jeopardy,” a take on Greg Kihn’s hit single.
In addition to his parodies, the album also includes several original songs, such as “Midnight Star” and “The Brady Bunch,” showcasing Yankovic’s unique blend of humor and musical talent. The album’s title refers to the fact that it was originally released in a 3-D cover, complete with 3-D glasses.
Overall, “In 3-D” demonstrated Yankovic’s ability to lampoon popular music while also showcasing his own musical prowess, making it a standout album in his discography and a classic example of comedy music.
3. Dare to Be Stupid (1985)
Weird Al Yankovic’s “Dare to Be Stupid” is a classic album released in 1985 that helped cement the artist’s place in music history. The album is a parody of various popular songs at the time, and each track showcases Yankovic’s comedic prowess and musical talent.
One of the most notable tracks on the album is the titular song “Dare to Be Stupid,” which is a parody of Devo’s “Whip It.” The song is a hilarious and catchy anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their own weirdness and uniqueness. Other standout tracks on the album include “Yoda,” a Star Wars-themed parody of The Kinks’ “Lola,” and “Like a Surgeon,” a parody of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.”
Overall, “Dare to Be Stupid” is a must-listen for fans of Weird Al Yankovic and anyone who enjoys a good laugh. The album’s clever lyrics and catchy tunes make it a timeless classic that is still beloved by fans today.
4. Polka Party! (1986)
Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Polka Party!” album, released in 1986, is a unique and entertaining combination of polka music and pop culture parody. The album features Yankovic’s signature humor and wit, as he takes on popular songs of the time and gives them a polka twist.
Some of the highlights of the album include “Living with a Hernia,” a hilarious take on James Brown’s “Living in America,” and “Addicted to Spuds,” a playful parody of Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love.” The album also features Yankovic’s iconic “Polka Medley,” a compilation of popular songs from the mid-1980s that have been given a polka-style makeover.
While “Polka Party!” may not be as well-known as some of Yankovic’s other albums, it’s definitely worth a listen for fans of his unique brand of comedy and music. The album showcases Yankovic’s ability to take on a wide range of musical genres and turn them into something entirely his own.
5. Even Worse (1988)
Even Worse is the fifth studio album by the American singer-songwriter and parodist Weird Al Yankovic. It was released on April 12, 1988, and it contains several parodies of popular songs from the time, such as “Fat” (a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Bad”), “Stuck in a Closet with Vanna White” (a parody of “Stuck in the Middle with You”), and “Twister” (a parody of “The Twist”).
The album was generally well-received, with critics praising Yankovic’s humor and creativity in reworking well-known songs. “Fat” became one of Yankovic’s biggest hits, and its music video was a popular staple on MTV. The album also features a few original compositions, including “Good Old Days,” a nostalgic ode to the past, and “Alimony,” a comedic take on divorce.
Overall, Even Worse is a solid entry in Weird Al’s discography and a must-listen for fans of humorous music and parody.
6. UHF – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Other Stuff (1989)
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s UHF – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Other Stuff is a comedy album released in 1989 to coincide with his film of the same name. The album includes parodies of popular songs such as “Money for Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies” and “Isle Thing,” as well as original comedic songs such as “Spam” and “Attack of the Radioactive Hamsters from a Planet Near Mars.”
The album also features clips and soundbites from the UHF movie, adding to the overall comedic experience. While not as commercially successful as some of Yankovic’s other albums, UHF – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Other Stuff has become a cult classic among fans of both the film and Yankovic’s music.
Overall, the album showcases Yankovic’s signature humor and clever songwriting, making it a must-listen for fans of comedic music.
7. Off the Deep End (1992)
Weird Al Yankovic’s “Off the Deep End” album, released in 1992, marked a turning point in his career as a musical satirist. The album, which included parodies of popular songs such as “Smells Like Nirvana” (a spoof of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”) and “I Can’t Watch This” (a parody of MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”), showcased Yankovic’s unique ability to poke fun at popular culture while still creating catchy, humorous tunes.
In addition to the parodies, “Off the Deep End” also featured several original songs, including the hit single “Trigger Happy,” which tackled the topic of gun violence in America. The album was a commercial and critical success, earning Yankovic a gold certification and praise for his witty lyrics and musical prowess.
Overall, “Off the Deep End” is a quintessential Weird Al album that showcases his talents as a musician and satirist. It remains a beloved album among fans of comedic music and is a testament to Yankovic’s enduring popularity and influence in the music industry.
8. Alapalooza (1993)
Weird Al Yankovic’s Alapalooza album, released in 1993, is a humorous and irreverent take on popular music trends of the time. The album features parodies of songs by Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and others, as well as original comedic tracks.
Standout songs from Alapalooza include “Jurassic Park,” a parody of the theme song from the movie of the same name, and “Bedrock Anthem,” which combines the themes from the Flintstones and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away.” Among the album’s original creations were “Talk Soup”, a tune originally intended to replace the theme song of the television show of the same name, and “Harvey the Wonder Hamster”, an oft-requested jingle from one of Yankovic’s Al TV specials.
While not as commercially successful as some of Yankovic’s other albums, Alapalooza remains a fan favorite for its clever lyrics, catchy melodies, and silly humor.
9. Bad Hair Day (1996)
Weird Al Yankovic’s “Bad Hair Day” is a 1996 album that showcases the singer’s trademark humor and parodies. The album includes several popular tracks such as “Amish Paradise,” a parody of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” and “Gump,” a parody of the Presidents of the United States of America’s “Lump.”
In addition to his parodies, Yankovic also includes several original songs on the album, including “Syndicated Inc.,” a satirical commentary on the media industry, and “Phony Calls,” which pokes fun at telemarketers and phone scammers.
Overall, “Bad Hair Day” displays Yankovic’s comedic talent and musical versatility. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, and remains a favorite among Yankovic’s dedicated following.
10. Running with Scissors (1999)
Running with Scissors is the ninth studio album by “Weird Al” Yankovic, released in 1999. It is widely considered one of his best albums, featuring parodies of popular songs of the time such as “Pretty Fly for a Rabbi” (a take on “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” by The Offspring) and “The Saga Begins” (a parody of “American Pie” by Don McLean that retells the plot of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace).
The album also includes original tracks like “Albuquerque,” an 11-minute long epic about a bizarre road trip, and “Your Horoscope For Today,” a satirical take on horoscopes. The album’s production is top-notch, with Yankovic’s signature comedic lyrics and catchy melodies backed by a variety of instruments, including accordions, brass, and electronic beats.
Running with Scissors was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning Yankovic a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. The album showcases Yankovic’s ability to stay relevant and poke fun at pop culture, making it a must-listen for fans of comedy and music alike.
11. Poodle Hat (2003)
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Poodle Hat” album, released in 2003, is a delightful mix of parody and original songs that showcase Yankovic’s unique style of musical humor. The album features parodies of popular songs such as “Couch Potato,” a hilarious take on Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” and “Angry White Boy Polka,” which pokes fun at various rock and rap songs.
Yankovic’s original songs on the album are just as entertaining, including “Hardware Store,” which features a rapid-fire list of items one might find in a hardware store, and “Genius in France,” a homage to Frank Zappa that showcases Yankovic’s musical talent and comedic prowess.
Overall, “Poodle Hat” is a highly enjoyable album that demonstrates Yankovic’s ability to create clever parodies and catchy original tunes. It’s a must-listen for fans of comedy and music alike.
12. Straight Outta Lynwood (2006)
Weird Al Yankovic’s “Straight Outta Lynwood” album, released in 2006, was his twelfth studio album and marked a return to his signature parodies of popular songs. The album includes parodies of hits such as “Ridin'” by Chamillionaire (“White & Nerdy”), “Do I Make You Proud” by Taylor Hicks (“Do I Creep You Out”), and “Trapped in the Closet” by R. Kelly (“Trapped in the Drive-Thru”).
In addition to his parodies, Yankovic also included several original comedic songs, including “Pancreas,” which humorously describes the function of the organ, and “Close but No Cigar,” a comedic song about a man failing to win the heart of a woman.
“Straight Outta Lynwood” was a commercial success, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, and received positive reviews from critics who praised Yankovic’s ability to remain relevant and funny after decades in the industry.
13. Alpocalypse (2011)
Alpocalypse is the thirteenth studio album by “Weird Al” Yankovic, released in 2011. The album features parody songs and original compositions, and it debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album includes parodies of popular songs, such as “Perform This Way” (a parody of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”) and “Party in the CIA” (a parody of Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the U.S.A.”). Yankovic’s signature humor is on full display, with songs like “CNR,” which is a tribute to the fictional character Charles Nelson Reilly, and “Skipper Dan,” which tells the story of a former actor who now works as a skipper on the Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyland.
Alpocalypse received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Yankovic’s ability to continue to produce fresh and funny material after more than three decades in the music industry. The album is a must-listen for fans of Yankovic’s comedic musical style.
14. Mandatory Fun (2014)
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s 2014 album “Mandatory Fun” was his 14th studio album and showcased his signature brand of musical parody and comedy. The album was his first to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, a testament to his enduring popularity and cultural relevance.
The album features parodies of popular songs like “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea (“Handy”), “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke (“Word Crimes”), and “Royals” by Lorde (“Foil”). It also includes original songs like “Lame Claim to Fame” and “Sports Song”, which poke fun at celebrity culture and sports anthems, respectively.
Overall, “Mandatory Fun” is a fun and witty album that showcases Weird Al’s talents as a musician and comedian. Its success is a testament to his ability to remain relevant and entertaining after decades in the industry.
List of Weird Al Yankovic Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Weird Al Yankovic Album in Order of Release Date:
Studio albums:
1. Weird Al Yankovic — April 26, 1983
2. Weird Al Yankovic in 3-D — February 28, 1984
3. Dare to Be Stupid — June 18, 1985
4. Polka Party! — October 21, 1986
5. Even Worse — April 12, 1988
6. UHF – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Other Stuff — July 18, 1989
7. Off the Deep End — April 14, 1992
8. Alapalooza — October 5, 1993
9. Bad Hair Day — March 12, 1996
10. Running with Scissors — June 29, 1999
11. Poodle Hat — May 20, 2003
12. Straight Outta Lynwood — September 26, 2006
13. Alpocalypse — June 21, 2011
14. Mandatory Fun — July 15, 2014
Collaborative albums:
1. Peter & the Wolf (with Wendy Carlos) — October 1988
Soundtrack albums:
1. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story — November 4, 2022
Compilation albums
1. Eat It — 1984
2. The Official Music of “Weird Al” Yankovic: Al Hits Tokyo — 1984
3. “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Greatest Hits — October 1988
4. The Best of Yankovic — 1992
5. The Food Album — June 22, 1993
6. Greatest Hits Volume II — October 25, 1994
7. The TV Album — November 7, 1995
8. The Saga Begins — January 25, 2000
9. The Essential “Weird Al” Yankovic — October 27, 2009
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Weird Al Yankovic has released a total of 14 studio albums throughout his career, each showcasing his unique brand of musical parody and satire. From his early work in the 1980s to his more recent releases, Yankovic’s albums have consistently entertained and delighted fans with his humorous takes on popular music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, the albums in order offer a fun and entertaining journey through the wacky world of Weird Al Yankovic.
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