SINGAPORE - The National Day Parade (NDP) theme song often draws strong reactions but this year's anthem appears to have hit the right note with those who responded to a Straits Times online poll.
Of the 240 responses garnered as of Monday (June 20) morning, 68 per cent said they like Tomorrow's Here Today, the upbeat pop anthem rallying Singaporeans to ponder about the country's future.
Written by composer Don Richmond and performed by local pop band 53A, the 3½-minute number carries forward-looking elements that are in tune with the futuristic theme of this year's parade.
Freelance designer Alaric Lim, 27, said he much preferred the 2016 version to last year's Golden Jubilee tribute - JJ Lin's Our Singapore - as it was catchier.
"It's also less messy and the lyrics are so much easier to sing to," he added.
Others praised the vocals of lead singer, Sara Wee, who croons about Singapore living out its dreams.
Undergraduate Leah Chong, 20, said: "I think it's great a local band has been given the opportunity to perform the song. It lends the tune a very indie and fun vibe that is quite unique."
But the song also has its share of detractors. Some say it lacks a connection with older Singaporeans due to its pop background.
Lamented operations manager Kenneth Teo, 36: "Why can't we stick to timeless ballads that everyone can appreciate and relate to?"
