Not a fan of the official NDP Theme song? Here are some 'unofficial' SG50 songs

There are two things Singaporeans are sure to do when National Day is around the corner.

Fight tooth and nail for the National Day Parade (NDP) tickets and... complain that the year's NDP theme song is not as good as the seminal favourite Home.

Despite this year being the all-important SG50, things weren't all that different.

Dick Lee, who penned Home, composed and performed this year's song Our Singapore.

The song however received mixed reviews - mostly because it was mellow and didn't sound celebratory given that this is an important year.

Fortunately, JJ Lin came to the rescue. The pop star turned the song, with admittedly touching lyrics, into a more upbeat one.

And while Dick Lee's video showed the work of our pioneer generation, JJ Lin's video shows how the younger generations appreciate the hard work of those before us: Taking selfies. 

Many praised this new arrangement. One commenter on YouTube said: "JJ's amazing voice and this superb upbeat arrangement really gives this song a nice vibe".

And even if you didn't like JJ Lin's version, don't worry.

There are many alternative SG50 songs - although they are "unofficial".

Some ordinary Singaporeans have come up with their own songs - and well, let's just say that these could very well be the official versions too.

That's how good these songs are.

1. Do you remember by Jon Chan

Easily a song that can be heard at the NDP, this is a sweet song, written by Nicholas Chia and performed by Jon Chan, that is more personal that many other songs we've heard over the year.

The equally great video produced by SteadiProductions features both new and old footage of different generations and the experiences they had growing up.

And if that's not selling it, it sounds like a great Mumford & Sons song.

SixtyFive by Gentle Bones

Gentle Bones, also known as Joel Tan, goes bigger and grander for this song, which was written for the movie 1965, which is out in theatres now.

I could do without the overly dramatic and abstract video - but the song could just be timeless and is a reminder of the sacrifices made for the success of the country.

There's no place like home by Charlyn Too and Audris Ho

If you wanted a song that's similar to Kit Chan's Home, this might be it.

Available in both English and Chinese, it's a nice, emotional ballad that tells us what we already know - That there is no place like home.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a reminder. 

These are the days by Lee Chin Sin and performed by Farisha Ishak

This song is the winner of MediaCorp's SG50: The Gift of Song songwriting competition - and rightly so.

Lee is a full-time chef and has no plans for a musical career, which is a surprise given that this song sounds like it belongs at the Padang. 

With a great singalong chorus, and a great message to always take advantage of opportunities and pursue your dreams, this is the perfect SG50 song.