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New Paper
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
I listened to every NDP Song and rated them, so you don't have to
It's that time of year again - the roar of fighter jets echoing overhead, spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky, and suddenly everyone's belting out Home like it's 2004. National Day songs -- love them or roast them -- they show up every August like clockwork. Right on schedule alongside red and white outfits, supermarket flags, and traffic jams near Marina Bay. From certified bangers to the more "experimental" tracks that left us scratching our heads, these songs have a strange power that makes us feel equal parts nostalgic, emotional, and awkwardly patriotic -- all at once. But why do some of them tug at the heartstrings, while others barely make a ripple? I listened to them all and rated them - so you don't have to. Best for karaoke singalongs Some National Day songs are just built different. These are the tunes where everyone knows every single word - whether they mean to or not. Like a national earworm, they live rent-free in our heads and make their annual comeback every August. Home (2001) by Kit Chan is the gold standard. A classic. A cultural reset. Young or old, Singaporean or PR, if you don't at least hum along to this one, are you even from here? SCREENGRAB: MIKE EDKINS/YOUTUBE The gentle build-up to that emotional climax - "This is where I won't be alone" - was made for full-volume belting, eyes closed, hand over heart. Pure karaoke gold. Yes, the OGs are hard to beat. But once in a while, a newer track sneaks in and surprises us - and in 2024, Not Alone did just that. With a melody that flows effortlessly into the chorus - "If we just look to each other, then this house will feel like home" - it's the kind of song you'd actually add to your Spotify playlist, unironically. Add a soaring key change and Benjamin Kheng's silky vocals, and you've got a track that's not just catchy - it's cathartic. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Because in the end, it's not about how loudly you can scream-sing it. A true karaoke hit is one that hits you back - right in the feels. Most likely to make you cry on the MRT You know the drill - just minding your own business, staring out the MRT window on your way to work when, suddenly, a National Day song comes on. Next thing you know, you're getting misty-eyed between Botanic Gardens and Caldecott, wondering when you turned into an emotional softie. Who remembers My Island Home ? Released back in 2001, this oldie-but-goodie never fails to hit like a nostalgic freight train. The laid-back rhythm and its gently yearning melody are like a warm hug and a homesick sob rolled into one. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Now picture this: You're a Singaporean living overseas, on a train that's not the MRT. You put this song on. I dare you not to cry. And then there's the emotional landmine that is In A Heartbeat . The 2011 song may sound tender and almost fragile, but don't be fooled - it's out to wreck you. The melody floats gently along, while the lyrics quietly destroy you with the themes of growing up, moving on and clinging on tightly to the past. If you miss your mum, your childhood friends, or the early days when your family was still squeezed around one dinner table - brace yourself. This one doesn't just pull heartstrings, it yanks them. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE As August 9 rolls around and you're hit with all the warm fuzzies, fret not as you're not alone. Whether it's childhood memories, homesickness, or just a random wave of nostalgia mid-commute, these songs remind us that patriotism isn't always loud. Sometimes, it's just a quiet lump in your throat. Best for singing in the shower (secretly) Let's be real - some songs may not top the charts or stir national pride in public, but throw in the right acoustics and the sweet, sweet privacy of your bathroom, and suddenly, you're the soloist of your personal NDP choir. Enter: Reach out for the Skies (2005), the ultimate guilty pleasure of National Day songs. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE So corny, yet so catchy. The lyrics sound like they came straight off a motivational poster, and yet, somehow, you know every word. Shower head in one hand, the other reaching dramatically for the skies - or, you know, the ceiling - don't worry, your secret's safe with me. Now, Where I Belong (2001) might raise a few eyebrows. Yes, it's beloved. Sure, it's iconic. But let's face it - it's also kind of a cliché. It wears its heart unapologetically on its sleeve, complete with the kind of lyrical earnestness that makes you roll your eyes... while secretly clutching your chest. "Whether rain or shine, it's still beautiful," states one line. Say what you will, it's oddly comforting. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE It builds gently from soft verses to a soaring chorus made for emotional solo performances - ideally when no one else is home. Best for baby nap time Let's talk about this year's National Day song - Here We Are . Look, it's not a bad song. It's soft, gentle, and easy on the ears. But maybe... a little too easy. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Compared to past NDP tracks that were big, bold, and emotionally charged, this one feels more like a hot decaf latte - warm and soothing, but unlikely to keep you awake. The mellow melody and choral-style vocals have a calm, almost lullaby-like energy. Before I knew it, I drifted off halfway through the second verse. It gives bedtime story vibes - ideal if you're trying to put a baby down for a nap, soothe a sleepy cat, or catch a moment of peace after all that flag-waving and fighter jet spotting. Not every National Day song needs to be a showstopper. And honestly, speaking as an introvert, sometimes a breather track is exactly what we need between the emotional belting sessions. Most likely to be turned into a TikTok dance Then, there are some National Day songs that come with choreography so intriguing, you just have to try it. Take the 2021's The Road Ahead . With its slow, soothing melody and hopeful message, you'd expect it to soundtrack a candlelight vigil - not a living room dance session. But then ActiveSG dropped a full-blown choreography video meant for a workout routine, and suddenly, everyone stuck at home during the pandemic was waving their hands dramatically in sync. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE It was hilarious - and oddly unifying. The power of TikTok, truly. And let's not forget Stronger Together (2022). With its steady rhythm and motivational hook, it was practically made for wholesome, slightly cringe TikTok dances. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Think: sweeping hand gestures and a dramatic double bicep pose the moment the line "stronger together" drops. Instant TikTok gold. Whether intentional or not, these songs prove that a little choreography goes a long way - especially when TikTok gets its hands on it. Best 'Majulah' energy These are the songs with oomph. The grandeur. That unmistakable National Day zing that screams: "I'm proud to be Singaporean", fireworks or not. Some songs don't just sing, they salute. We Are Singapore (1987) is a prime example - a full-blown power anthem made to rally the nation. And that spoken-word bridge? Basically the National Pledge with a backing track. Majulah vibes all the way. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE One United People (2003) also earns a rightful spot in this category. It's not the loudest in the room, but it radiates quiet strength. With its steady build and choral swell, it delivers that resolute, hand-over-heart energy fit for a grandstand moment. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Whether it's thunderous pride or calm conviction, these songs don't just sound patriotic - they embody it. If any songs deserve a salute, it's these. This is home, truly National Day songs hit each of us a little differently. From chest-thumping anthems to guilty-pleasure bops, they've soundtracked our parades, our childhoods, and those quiet moments of Singaporean pride. Yes, it can feel a little embarrassing knowing every word to these corny classics, but sometimes, it's worth revisiting the songs we grew up with. To remember the thrill of waving a flag as a Primary 5 kid at your first National Day Parade. Because at the end of the day, this is home. Truly.
Straits Times
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Viewpoint: What happens when you use AI to make a National Day song?
ST music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi tried to come up with a National Day song using generative AI. The result was lifeless and dull. SINGAPORE – As someone who has been playing the guitar for many years and has had experience writing, recording and releasing music before the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), I have mixed feelings about using the technology to come up with songs. I understand it can be a tool to discover new sonic possibilities, but I am also wary of its potential to devalue, and even replace, human labour. So, when the assignment from my editors – to come up with a National Day song using AI – fell into my lap, I approached it with both curiosity and dread. After reading up on the various platforms that allow users, regardless of music experience or expertise, to come up with music using generative AI, I decided on Suno. Based on reviews and feedback, it seems to be among the more intuitive ones that let users come up with songs quickly. A few minutes later, a complete song with lyrics, a human-like singing voice and instrumentation such as drums, guitars, strings and synthesizers was born. All I had to do was type in a few text prompts – which in this case was essentially something based on recent National Day Parade anthems such as Not Alone (2024) and Shine Your Light (2023). But I cannot take credit for, or feel any sense of ownership over, this tune, no more than I can call myself a chef after I microwave a frozen meal bought from 7-11. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MHA to support HSA's crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam Business S'pore's economic resilience will face headwinds in second half of 2025 from tariffs, trade conflicts: MAS Business S'pore's Q2 total employment rises, but infocomm and professional services sectors see more job cuts Singapore Fewer than 1 in 5 people noticed suspicious items during MHA's social experiments Asia Powerful 8.8-magnitude quake in Russia's far east causes tsunami; Japan, Hawaii order evacuations Singapore Migrant workers who gave kickbacks to renew work passes were conservancy workers at AMK Town Council Asia 'Hashing things out': Japan, Vietnam, EU contest terms of US tariff deals behind the scenes Singapore Escape, discover, connect: Where new memories are made Titled Together, We Shine, it might pass as background or elevator music, but is way too generic and bland for anyone to ever take seriously as an anthem fit for the nation's 60th birthday. The lyrics are cliched, rife with monosyllabic rhymes ('way' with 'grey', 'tall' with 'all') and cobbled together using previous official NDP favourite ('We build with dreams, we build with care, our voices echo everywhere'). The male singing voice has, for some reason, a vague American accent, and the audio sounds so compressed and over-polished that it comes across lifeless and flat. You can listen to it here ( ) and judge for yourself. AI-made music has been in the news lately, mostly thanks to the whirlwind Spotify success of AI-generated indie rock band The Velvet Sundown . The concerning thing is, for the first month of its existence, the 'band' insisted they were real humans, despite many speculating they were an AI creation. While photos of the four members were clearly produced with gen-AI, The Velvet Sundown – whose music and image borrow heavily from retro 1970s rock – had a pretty convincing backstory on their profile. Their music was also automatically pushed to users' playlists by Spotify's algorithm – one of the reasons they got so big so quickly, while human music-makers struggle to get streams. It was only about a month after the quartet's June debut that they were revealed to be an 'art hoax'. But, like with most other tech, AI is just a tool, and not inherently bad. While platforms like Suno and Udio offer idiot-proof ways to generate immediate songs – the way I did with mine – there are many other ways that AI is being used to enhance human creativity in music. For example, Singapore-based online music-making platform BandLab has AI features designed to help and supplement human creativity, instead of replacing it. In an online workshop with the company's head of artist development and education Kevin Breuner, a musician and songwriter himself, I learnt how users can use its AI tools to help suggest ideas, enhance audio recordings and convert a human voice into an instrument. The bulk of the work in song creation ultimately falls on the artiste using the platform, so there is still a lot of emphasis on human ingenuity. Right now, there are a few tell-tale signs that a piece of music is written by software. In the case of The Velvet Sundown, the lead singer's voice inexplicably changes from song to song. But at the rate the technology is advancing, it will not be long before AI-generated music will sound so authentic that even the most seasoned music experts will not be able to tell it is artificial. And that is when music lovers, or anyone who consumes music in any form, has to decide if they value human artistry and inventiveness enough to always choose a work crafted by a real person over one churned out via binary code.
Scottish Sun
26-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Schoolboy, 13, found dead in playground had ‘hoped someone would come looking for him'
SCHOOL TRAGEDY Schoolboy, 13, found dead in playground had 'hoped someone would come looking for him' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCHOOLBOY was found dead in a school playground after running away from home, an inquest heard. Connor Lee Mark, 13, was discovered in the grounds of Melin Primary School in Mile End Row, South Wales, on January 29. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up The teenager had been confronted about a missing bottle of vodka and an aerosol by his mum and stepdad the night before and he started "kicking off", then stormed out of the house without his shoes. He returned a short while later to collect them before threatening to "jump off a bridge", the inquest heard yesterday. Mum Louise Morgan and stepdad Jason Clark told police Connor had made threats like this before but he usually returned and so they didn't take it seriously. However, nonetheless Jason went out to look for him but after walking around the street eventually returned, assistant coroner Paul Bennett said. During the same evening, Louise and Jason's friends David Morrow and Amy Winslade were visiting their home and were leaving as Louise called the police to report her son missing. Moments later the couple heard Amy shriek "Connor, Connor!" David had seen the teen's body in the playground of the nearby primary school. Former lifeguard Jason attempted to give his stepson mouth to mouth resuscitation in the six minutes before paramedics arrived. However, Connor was declared dead at 3.43am on January 29, DC Danaher told the hearing. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123
Wales Online
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wimbledon star doesn't hold back as she comments on tournament's strict dress code
Wimbledon star doesn't hold back as she comments on tournament's strict dress code Elina Svitolina spoke about the dress code at the All England Club as she progressed to the second round of Wimbledon after a straight-sets victory over Anna Bondar Elina Svitolina spoke about the Wimbledon dress code (Image: Hannah Peters, Getty Images ) Wimbledon star Elina Svitolina has expressed her strong admiration for the championship's iconic all-white dress policy. The Ukrainian ace sailed into the second round following a commanding straight sets triumph (6-3, 6-1) over Hungary's Anna Bondar on Monday. Having made it to the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2019 and 2023, the 30-year-old is intent on advancing even further at the prestigious Grand Slam. A clear fan of the historic tennis competition, Svitolina donned a T-shirt featuring a nod to the classic strawberries and cream after her first round win at the All England Club. While former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard has previously criticised the strict dress code, which Emma Raducanu was claimed to have broken earlier this year, Svitolina has voiced her fondness for the traditional aesthetic. When quizzed by The Tennis Channel about her favourite Wimbledon tradition, Svitolina didn't hesitate. "The dress code, I love dressing up in white," she declared. "You know, being so classy. It's iconic. I love my outfit this year and it just looks so perfect, so beautiful. When you look around, everyone is so classy. Yeah, I just really love this tradition." Wimbledon has long-standing all-white clothing rules, dating back to the 1880s when visible sweat stains were deemed unseemly. All competitors are required to wear almost entirely white attire, which has already led to outfit changes at this year's tournament. Article continues below Svitolina is a fan of the all-white dress code (Image:) An exception is granted for female players who can wear dark undershorts as long as they are not longer than their shorts or skirt. According to Wimbledon's official guidelines, the all-white dress code does not permit off-white or cream clothing. A coloured trim around the neckline or sleeves is acceptable, provided it is no wider than one centimetre. Shoes must also be white, including laces and soles, and the same regulations apply to caps, headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks. In 2022, the All England Club announced that female players could wear darker undershorts. However, Bouchard, a Wimbledon finalist in 2014, shared her experiences of the stress faced by female players on their period before the rule was implemented. "Unfortunately we cannot plan our own tennis matches, that is something completely out of our control, Bouchard told the Not Alone podcast with Valeria Lipovetsky in 2024. "The tournament decides the schedule and when you play, so there's no chance for that at all. I've definitely experienced really bad period cramps, pain, and I remember having that the day before the US Open in New York. Bouchard spoke about the problems with the previous Wimbledon dress code (Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images ) "And I was like, 'Thank god this is just a practice day today, because if I had to play my match today it would be really hard.' I did play right away the next day so it wasn't the best but it's just something we have to deal with. We cannot control the schedule so it's just luck. "And I know some of the girls on tour also get a little worried when it comes to Wimbledon because you have to wear white. So it just makes you a little more self-conscious if you're... you know. 'It's tough, but now they've changed the rules where you can wear like a different-coloured undergarment – so your ball shorts under the dress can be a different colour. But that's a super-recent rule." Article continues below In contrast, Svitolina embraced the current dress code during her opening victory, donning white Adidas attire with a green trim on her neckline and cap, as she triumphed over Bodnar. She is set to face Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the next round.
Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Choosing music as a career: Musician Evan Low talks NDP songs and touring with Mandopop star A-mei
Music Lab Podcast Choosing music as a career: Musician Evan Low talks NDP songs and touring with Mandopop star A-mei Synopsis (headphones recommended): Each month, The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio. In this special episode of Music Lab, ST's music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts award-winning Singaporean composer, producer, and music director Evan Low. A recipient of the National Arts Council's Young Artist Award in 2024, Low has worked on over 200 songs. From left: Mr Evan Low, Singaporean Music Director and Music Producer, and Mr Eddino Abdul Hadi, Music Lab Host. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE He is best known for being a co-composer and musician on recent National Day Parade songs The Road Ahead (2021) sung by artistes such as Linying, Not Alone (2024) by Benjamin Kheng and the 2018 remake of We Are Singapore. The artiste also known as Evanturetime has also toured with international pop star and Taiwanese singer A-mei and has performed to massive crowds in venues such as the Beijing National Stadium in China. Low, who first took piano lessons at the age of five, graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Music and Audio Technology. He then honed his skills at famed American music school Berklee College of Music, thanks to scholarships from the school as well as the Media Development Authority. This episode was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience of nearly 80 attendees on June 3 - at swish nightspot Rasa at Republic Plaza, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025. The third ST Podcast Live session is part of a series of events to celebrate 180 years of The Straits Times. ST PHOTO: REBEKAH CHIA Highlights (click/tap above): 2:17 Realising the impact of music: How Evan cried during piano practice when he was a kid 3:54 How he ended up choosing to further his studies in music instead of science 6:36 On developing his own set of 'special skills' while studying music in the US 10:56 The pressure of coming up with NDP songs 18:20 How he got singer Benjamin Kheng to venture outside his comfort zone on NDP song Not Alone 26:46 How he balances his finances as a full-time musician 29:25 On helping others achieve their dreams of pursuing music as a career Discover Evan Low's music at: Spotify: Instagram: Read Eddino Hadi's articles: Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi (dinohadi@ Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcasts website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: --
