Holidays in the Sun EP cover

Holidays in the Sun EP

Cornelius · 1993

27 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant collage of eclectic sounds blending electronic beats with playful melodies and world music influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Raise Your Hand Together (Cornelius mix) Start here — This track exemplifies the EP's playful yet sophisticated sound, layering catchy hooks over intricate electronic arrangements that define Cornelius's style.
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    Diamond Bossa — With its breezy bossa nova rhythm and whimsical instrumentation, this track captures the essence of Cornelius’s ability to merge genres effortlessly.
  • →
    太陽は僕の敵 (long edit) — This extended version dives deeper into the experimental soundscapes that characterize the EP, highlighting Cornelius's unique approach to structure and melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases innovative blends of styles and strong production, marking a significant step in Cornelius's career.

What we noticed

  • The use of unconventional song structures and playful melodies invites listeners to engage with the music in a more experimental way.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes for exploration
  • whimsical melodies for joyful moments
  • gradual build to uplifting resolution
  • short bursts of vibrant energy

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward, linear narratives
  • prefer long, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This EP helped solidify Cornelius's presence in the Shibuya-kei movement.
Themes
Shibuya-kei experimentation· breezy bossa nova· vibrant sound collage
Career context
When 'Holidays in the Sun' was released in January 1993, Cornelius was emerging as a key figure in the Shibuya-kei movement, following his debut album 'Fantasma' just a year earlier. This EP marked an exploration into more experimental territories, showcasing his ability to mix genres while appealing to both indie and mainstream audiences.
Stylistic neighbors
Shugo Tokumaru· Nujabes· Towa Tei

Tracklist

  • 1 Raise Your Hand Together (Cornelius mix) Start here 5:50
  • 2 Raise Your Hand Together (320 Light Years mix) 6:46
  • 3 Diamond Bossa 3:20
  • 4 太陽は僕の敵 (long edit) 5:49
  • 5 太陽は僕の敵 (Sunset Boo-goo-loo mix) 5:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata