The Musical Genius Of Weird Al Yankovic: Beyond Parodies

What's Up Hot Dog? 'Weird Al' Yankovic is probably most famous for his funny song parodies. Since the early '80s, he has been poking fun at the trends and stars of popular music.

But, to Weirdo Superfans like me, we know Al is also a genius songwriter in his own right. His original songs are often done in the style of a popular artist, but they are pure Al. He takes the sound very seriously. Al and his band are fantastic musicians and capture the feel of the sounds of popular culture.

In the examples below you will hear how 'Weird Al' marries serious music with silly lyrics. Often taking a deep dive into a mundane topic. I love how the songs are a reminder to not take things so seriously. It's music, let's have fun.

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Al's albums tend to be about half parodies and half originals. If you're new to the Al-verse or just know him from his most famous parody songs, you don't want to miss out on these killer tracks.

So, as a public service, I will separate the wheat from the chaff, the curd from the whey, the green peppers from the pizza and present the top 5 (maybe 6) 'Weird Al' Yankovic original songs (in no particular order).

Weird Al Yankovic's Top 5 Original Songs

5) "Bob"

This song from the 2003 album Poodle Hat is done in the style of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues." As someone who grew up having the 1960s mythos shoved down their throat, I particularly enjoy the popping of the flower children's pomposity.

The fun part is that the lyrics are palindromes; words or phrases that read the same in both directions. Watch the signs in the video.

4) "The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota"

I love this goofy, meandering, story song from the 1989 UHF soundtrack album. Al's commitment to the folk singer-songwriter style while describing the boring details of a car trip is amazing. TWINE BALL OR BUST!

In an odd way the point of view character in "Twine' is a sort of zen master of calm. No matter what obstacles come up, he just takes them in stride and keeps focused on the mission.

GET WEIRDER: How David Spade and 'Weird Al' Led Me on a Week-Long El DeBarge Obsession 

3) "My Baby's in Love with Eddie Vedder"

This Cajun/Bluegrass song off 1999's Running With Scissors album is the anthem for all of us guys who grew up crushing on Wyona Ryder and Janeane Garofalo. Then watching those gals pick the cool guys in the garage bands and not the guy in the high school band.

2) "Why Does This Always Happen to Me?"

Another track from the Poodle Hat CD. This song is a pitch-perfect satire of those songs that always pop up after tragedies. It charts the problems of someone who thinks they are the center of the world.

"Why Does This Always Happen to Me?" is about as serious as Al gets in his music. The ridiculous scenarios he creates help me remember that there are other people in the world, be patient. Even when I'm missing the Simpsons.

LEARN: How I'm Learning to be a Manager From 'Mystery Science Theater 3000'

1) "Everything You Know is Wrong"

From 1996's Bad Hair Day, in this stream-of-consciousness dreamscape, Al teaches us that the proper use of time travel is to pay late bills on time. And to hang out with Colonel Sanders, of course.

It's just pure fun silliness.

6) "CNR"

Number 6 on the list is a song off the 2011 album Alpocalypse. It's a White Stripes-style ode to the star of one of my favorite X-Files episodes: Charles Nelson Reilly.

It's a beautiful, hard-rocking song about this '70s game show go-to, and the alleged superpowers he has.

That's not even scratching the service of 'Weird Al's' catalog of originals. From the classic "Dare to be Stupid" to the epic "Albuquerque" there is so much fun waiting for you.

If that's not enough original Al, take this deeper dive into 'Weird Al's' breakthrough album In 3-D.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ben Kuhns is just some guy on the internet. He is a wannabe fiction writer, and his wife thinks he's funny. He writes for Results-Townsquare Media in Sioux Falls South Dakota.