What’s your NDP beat? A fun look into Singapore’s favourite National Day Parade songs

When it comes to National Day Parade (NDP) songs, every Singaporean has their personal anthem that hits them right in the feels. We recently conducted a survey, polling N=1,000 Singaporeans  to learn which tunes strike a chord across the different age groups in the country. Read all about it below and see how each generation feels about Singapore’s NDP hits!

Home sweet home

The 2004 classic "Home" is still a crowd-pleaser (50%), especially among the 25-34 crowd, with 61% jamming to it. This song seems to perfectly capture the nostalgia of their formative years. The 16-24 year-olds also have a soft spot for it, though with a lower 38%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 crowd still shows love with 47%, proving that "Home" truly is a timeless favourite.

Nostalgia vs. Now

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Let’s talk throwbacks! "Count On Me Singapore" (1996) remains a nostalgic favourite for the 55+ crowd (23%).. Meanwhile, "One People, One Nation, One Singapore" (1990) holds a special place for those aged 45-54, with nearly 1 in 4 (24%) naming it their top pick. On the other hand, the 25-34 group shows a strong preference for the more recent "Where I Belong" (2001), with 44% choosing it as their favourite. It’s clear that this track made a big impression during their formative years.

Benjamin Kheng's anthem ''Not Alone'' gains ground but  'In a Heartbeat' remains top choice for Gen Z

The fresh beats of "Not Alone" (2024) are starting to resonate with the 16-24 crowd, with 9% naming it their top pick. "Stronger Together" (2022) is also gaining traction, with 10% of the younger audience favouring it. However, when it comes to the all-time favourites for the 16-24 group, "In a Heartbeat" (2011) steals the spotlight with a remarkable 34% preference. It’s no surprise—this catchy tune likely holds a special place as a nostalgic childhood anthem for them.

Back to the OG

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The first ever NDP song, "Stand Up for Singapore" (1985) is still rocking the playlists of the 45-54s (17%) and 55+ crowd (21%). This tune has clearly stood the test of time and remains a beloved anthem for those who grew up with it. For younger generations (8%), however, the classic hits might not hold the same sway.

In a nutshell, Singapore’s NDP songs have a unique way of connecting with each generation. From timeless classics that evoke nostalgia to fresh new anthems, there’s a little something for everyone.