Holiday

When the Bee Gees released Holiday in the United States in September 1967, they did so as part of their album Bee Gees' 1st. The song, written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb, was recorded around April 1967, during the same sessions that brought To Love Somebody to life. What's interesting about Holiday is its structure, which primarily unfolds in a minor key, with an orchestral presence that gives it a distinctive character. Brothers Barry and Robin share the lead vocals, and all three brothers, Barry, Robin, and Maurice, contributed the vocal harmonies in the choruses, those catchy "Dee dees".

The critical reception at the time highlighted several aspects. Billboard described it as an intriguing ballad that offered a change of pace from their previous hit, To Love Somebody, particularly praising its production. For its part, Cash Box highlighted the powerful organ accompaniment and the excellent vocal performance. Record World considered it another of those atmospheric, distinctive, and inventive pieces typical of the Bee Gees. Allmusic critic Stewart Mason praised the melody, calling it "moving and beautiful," and the group's "magical backing harmonies." He described the lyrics as "vaguely poetic and almost impenetrable," citing as an example the phrase "It's something I think's worthwhile/If the puppet makes you smile/If not then you're throwing stones, throwing stones, throwing stones".

Regarding its release, in the United States, Canada, and Australia, the B-side of Holiday was Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You. However, in other territories, Red Chair, Fade Away was chosen. The promotional videos for the song included footage of the band traveling on a city bus through Paris, footage that was also used for the video of Words. Another clip, filmed in black and white, showed the group performing Holiday. The song remained a recurring staple in their concerts for over 30 years, and Maurice Gibb often added comedic moments, trying to join his brothers in singing. This can be seen, for example, in the video of the "One For All" concert from 1989.

Beyond its musical career, Holiday has had a presence in film and television. It was used prominently in the South Korean film Nowhere to Hide (인정사정 볼 것 없다), and later appeared in the South Korean television series Reply 1997, as well as in Level Up Project by the South Korean girl group Red Velvet. Even one of the robots sang the song in an episode of the American comedy series Mystery Science Theater 3000. The recording of this piece took place at IBC Studios in London, and its duration is 2:52.