Beijing (CNS) -– As the Chinese Communist Party's 90th anniversary approaches, governments at all levels and several state-owned companies have launched a "red song" campaign, arousing spirited discussions about the potential movement of political "shift to the left".
Wang Xiaohui, vice minister of the Party's Publicity Department, denied such an opinion at a recent press conference, saying red songs had nothing to do with political ideology, but with the colorful cultural life of this country.
"There are people who love pop music, such as rock and roll. Then there are some who are just into red songs," Wang added, after highly praising the new trend's positive influences on showing passion towards the Party and a better life.
Red songs that have gained the attention of the young generation have changed in both style and themes. They appear more fashionable now, and some have even adopted rock and roll styles. Take the traditional red song I Want to Visit Yan'an for example, which is now sung by a pop star in a rock and roll style. Its theme is simple and fresh: “we just want to go and have a look at Yan'an," the song says.
"Without the participation of the youth, red songs wouldn't be so popular today," popular lyricist Song Xiaoming said.
