This story was first published on May 7, 2015, and updated on June 20, 2016.
SINGAPORE - You either love it or hate it. National Day Parade (NDP) theme songs often draw strong reactions - and shrill debate in some cases.
Here's a look back at NDP songs through the years.
2016: Tomorrow's Here Today
The upbeat pop anthem hopes to rally Singaporeans to ponder about the country's future, in tune with this year's futuristic theme of Building Our Singapore of Tomorrow.
It is written by composer Don Richmond, 39, and performed by local band 53A.
It appears to have hit the right note with those who responded to a Straits Times online poll. Of the 240 responses garnered as of June 20, 68 per cent said they like it, with some singing praises about its indie and fun vibe. But some say it lacks a connection with older Singaporeans due to its pop background.
2015: Our Singapore
Composed by singer-songwriter Dick Lee, the theme song was one that looked into the future as the nation celebrated its 50th birthday, and at the same time paid tribute to its pioneers and to founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
2014: No NDP song
Breaking with NDP tradition, there was no theme song because the organisers wanted familiar tunes that resonate with Singaporeans, and decided that the classic NDP songs complemented that year's theme, Our People, Our Home.
2013: One Singapore
The theme song was sung by a choir of 68 ordinary Singaporeans. Netizens slammed it for sounding like a children's song or a nursery rhyme; others questioned the need to have a new song every year.
2012: Love At First Light
Written by Paul Tan and composed by late Iskandar Ismail, the song was performed by Singaporean artiste Olivia Ong and child actress, Natanya Tan.
2011: In A Heartbeat
Performed by Singaporean artiste Sylvia Rotonel, the first female finalist in the history of reality singing TV show Singapore Idol.
2010: Song For Singapore
The theme song was composed and sung by US-based Singaporean singer, Corrinne May.
2009: What Do You See?
The rock tune What Do You See by local band Electrico had mixed reactions. Critics said it lacked broad appeal and failed to strike a chord with people.
2008: Shine For Singapore
The English version was performed by Hady Mirza, the winner of the second season of Singapore Idol. Pop singer Joi Chua sang the Mandarin version.
2007: There's no Place I'd Rather be, and Will You
Sung by Kit Chan, the song was one of the two theme music pieces to the 2007 National Day Parade.
2006: My Island Home
2005: Reach Out For The Skies
The catchy song was performed by Taufik Batisah, winner of the first season of Singapore Idol, and actress Rui En.
2004: Home (Remix)
2003: One United People
2002: We Will Get There
2001: Where I Belong
The rocky tune and smooth melody was released as an EP in 2001 by Singaporean singer and songwriter, Tanya Chua.
2000: Shine On Me
1999: Together
1998: Home
The ballad, sung by Kit Chan, was not written as a National Day theme song. Singer-songwriter Dick Lee first composed it for Sing Singapore. Still, it has won the hearts of many. In an online poll in 2013, Straits Times readers picked it as their favourite National Day song.
