How a career-threatening failure led to a platinum-selling masterpiece
In short: After the critical and commercial failure of his 1986 album Polka Party!, 'Weird Al' Yankovic feared his career was over. However, his 1988 release, Even Worse, would not only revitalize his career but become his first platinum record, proving his talent extended far beyond simple imitation.
Released on April 12, 1988, Even Worse marked a pivotal turning point for Yankovic. His previous effort, Polka Party!, had peaked at only number 177 on the Billboard 200, a disappointment that led the artist to take a hiatus for most of 1987. Returning to the studio with producer Rick Derringer, Yankovic produced an album that balanced parodies of late-1980s stars like Michael Jackson and Billy Idol with original material and musical imitations of artists such as the Beastie Boys and James Taylor.
The album's success was driven by its dual nature. While half the tracks were parodies, the other half featured original songs that critics noted were as engaging as his spoofs. For instance, 'Stuck in a Closet with Vanna White' was praised as a winner for its original glam rock sound, and 'Good Old Days' was an experimental attempt to emulate a collaboration between Charlie Manson and James Taylor. This versatility helped the album reach number 27 on the Billboard 200.
A major highlight of the record was the track 'Fat', which parodied Michael Jackson's 'Bad'. Although it only reached number 99 on the Billboard Hot 100, the video was a frequent MTV fixture and secured a 1989 Grammy Award for Best Concept Music Video. The album's massive popularity was confirmed when it was certified gold by the RIAA on July 18, 1988, and eventually reached platinum status with sales exceeding one million copies in the United States.
Interestingly, Even Worse is one of only two Yankovic albums to lack polka renditions, a departure from his signature style. While he sought permission from Michael Jackson for his parodies, other artists like Prince and George Michael reportedly turned down his requests during this era.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Even Worse
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