Song of the Week ● Holiday

Posted July 7, 201312 yr

Holiday ● (1984) ● 'Madonna'

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This month marks 30 years since Madonna's debut album, Madonna, so to celebrate, we look at the biggest single from the album: 'Holiday'.

Background

'Holiday' was one of 3 tracks not written by Madonna for her debut album. Instead, it the work of Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens, and was offered to Madonna by main album remixer - John "Jellybean" Benitez - since there was not enough material for her album. The demo was rearranged by Fred Zarr, then Madonna's vocals were added before Benitez remixed the song to increase the commercial value. The final version of 'Holiday' became popular in US clubs, enough so for it to be released as third single over 'Lucky Star' which was later released as fourth. Record label Sire didn't want the public to discover Madonna was not an R&B artist - there was previously the impression that Madonna was a black artist during the release of 'Everybody' - therefore she didn't appear on the original cover art.

The critical response to 'Holiday' was very positive, with critics claiming it "as infectious as the plague" and "state of the art dance-pop". Even Madonna herself revealed it was one of her favourites from her back-catalogue during an interview in 2005. 'Holiday' was also proved successful in the charts, becoming her break-through hit after reaching the Top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland and also number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart. In the UK, 'Holiday' was released three times, making the Top 10 on all occasions: #6 in 1984, #2 in 1985 (behind her own 'Into the Groove') and #5 in 1991. This helped the track sell a total of 770,000 copies, becoming Madonna's third best seller.

'Holiday' has been a favourite on Madonna's tours, appearing on all but The Confessions Tour where it was only used as an excerpts on a video interlude for "The Duke Mixes the Hits". No official video was filmed, although there is an "unofficial" version of her singing and dancing along with two other dancers in studio room, therefore the performance from The Blonde Ambition World Tour was instead used. This gained her three nominations at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.

Opinion

Despite being one of her biggest hits, 'Holiday' isn't one of my favourites from Madonna's back-catalogue. I do still enjoy it though; it's such a happy, feel-good song so is hard to hate. I find it incredible how it managed to reach the Top 10 three times, it must show how well loved the song is as well as just the power of Madonna.

Versions

7-inch Version [4:10]

Album Version [6:07]

You Can Dance Remix [6:32]

Videos

"Un-official" Music Video:

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Drowned World Tour performance:

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If you have any requests for Song of the Week, feel free to PM me or SweetCandy! Also, I've added links to previous Songs of the Weeks below, so if you missed one, please do comment in them.

Songs of the Week

Week 1: I Know It

Week 2: Bad Girl

Week 3: Jump

Week 4: Sky Fits Heaven

Week 5: Causing a Commotion

Week 6: Die Another Day

Week 7: Dress You Up

Week 8: Frozen

Week 9: Ray of Light

Week 10: Drowned World/Substitute of Love

Week 11: The Power of Goodbye