I Like Fun cover

I Like Fun

They Might Be Giants · 2018

40 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A playful mix of witty lyrics and catchy melodies, blending alternative rock with a dose of surreal whimsy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Let’s Get This Over With Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    I Like Fun — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos with its upbeat tempo and playful exploration of joy amidst chaos, serving as an anthem for embracing life's absurdities.
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    Mrs. Bluebeard — This track stands out for its narrative-driven lyrics and haunting melodies, illustrating the band's ability to blend storytelling with catchy hooks.
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    An Insult to the Fact Checkers — With sharp wit and social commentary, this song showcases They Might Be Giants' knack for addressing contemporary issues through clever lyricism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases clever lyrics and varied song structures, but its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and unexpected key changes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical exploration of absurdity
  • steady mid-tempo flow throughout
  • playful melodies with depth
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking long, immersive experiences
  • prefer serious, heavy themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues their legacy with engaging melodies and clever lyrics in later career.
Themes
absurdist humor· playful existentialism· whimsical chaos
Career context
I Like Fun marks They Might Be Giants' 20th studio album, released during a period when the band was celebrating over three decades in the music industry. Following their previous release, Phone Power in 2015, this album reflects a continued evolution in their sound while maintaining their signature quirky charm. The band has embraced a more streamlined approach to songwriting, delivering concise tracks that embody their characteristic humor and introspection.
Stylistic neighbors
The B-52's· Weezer· OK Go

Tracklist

  • 1 Let’s Get This Over With Start here 3:07
  • 2 I Left My Body 2:36
  • 3 All Time What 2:29
  • 4 By the Time You Get This 2:17
  • 5 An Insult to the Fact Checkers 2:34
  • 6 Mrs. Bluebeard 2:43
  • 7 I Like Fun 3:00
  • 8 Push Back the Hands 3:01
  • 9 This Microphone 2:36
  • 10 The Bright Side 2:29
  • 11 When the Light Comes On 3:17
  • 12 Lake Monsters 2:56
  • 13 McCafferty’s Bib 2:35
  • 14 The Greatest 1:48
  • 15 Last Wave 3:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata