Adam Sandler - What's Your Name?

Adam Sandler breathes life into an often forgotten aspect of the musical scene, comedy. With other artists like Weird Al Yankovic and the Jerky Boys it's easy to see why Sandler's unique comedic awareness allows him to rise to the top of the category. His latest release, What's Your Name? continues the level of comedy excellence already present in his first two albums.

This third album is a departure from the first two in that all of the selections are songs as opposed to intermittent songs and spoken word. I bought this album and immediately found "The Goat Song" placed toward the end of the record. Recalling with glee the first time I ever listened to "The Goat" on the last album, I paced myself through the other songs anxiously awaiting number 13. I was not disappointed and would have been happy if "The Goat Song" was the only good track but it is preceded by a multitude of other great numbers.

Sandler takes us through the trials and tribulations of a place-kicker and out on the dancefloor at a club full of celebrities. Granted, I think his last record had more burst out funny moments than this one but it did not have the consistent humor the current one possesses. His talents at song writing are certainly shown in this album and we can appreciate his wide ranging versatility more than in the past. Of course his comedy lies primarily in the lyrics, and the best example lies in the electric "Dancin' and Pantsin'":

"You can rub your belly with Liza Minelli...
Spin like a little girl with cross-dressing Milton Berle...
or shake your big, round ass with the ghost of Mama Cass."

The style of music ranges from country to opera, but Sandler manages to string it all together with his talent for song writing and performance. "The Goat Song" brings to mind a Broadway musical with this majestic goat prancing across the stage relating his sad story of existence. Move over Mister Mistophelese; here comes the Old Man's Goat. Who else could make a song about a drunk old man and his talking goat funny? Carrot Top? Jeff Foxworthy? I think not. Adam Sandler is one of the best comedians today and this album further separates him from the rest.