Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]

The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo91rank/position

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

This is the song that marked Ringo Sheena’s debut.

Set to a driving, exhilarating sound, it celebrates the ultimate form of unrequited love: “Just having you here makes me happy.” With a bold, uplifting declaration that the presence of the one you love is your very worth and the joy of living, its pure, straightforward emotion is deeply moving.

Released in May 1998 as her landmark debut single, it was also used as a theme song for a TBS program.

It’s a track that makes the world seem to shine simply because you’re in love.

Midnight is purityShiina Ringo92rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Purity at Midnight

This song caused a big stir as Ringo Sheena’s final single before her hiatus.

The big band–style sound created in collaboration with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra radiated a glamour and sultriness that set it apart from her earlier, more rock-oriented work.

Although it was released in March 2001, it remained absent from her original studio albums for many years, and only finally appeared on the 2019 best-of collection Newton no Ringo: Hajimete no Best-ban—a well-known bit of history.

Try listening to it while soaking in the quiet of the night, imagining the push and pull of an adult romance.

Stem ~Daimyo Play Arc~Shiina Ringo93rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Stem (Daimyo Asobi Edition)

This song by Ringo Sheena, which reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly chart and ranked 45th for the year, features an orchestral arrangement that marks the eighth rearrangement of the same piece.

It was released as the lead single for her third album, Kalk Samen Kuri no Hana, which would come out about a month later.

To create a track order that reflects the album’s symmetrical concept, the title track is placed as the second song.

DearestHamasaki Ayumi94rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki / Dearest

A ballad whose moving lyrics portray a deep love that wishes for the other person’s happiness even after losing something precious.

Released in September 2001, it’s one of Ayumi Hamasaki’s signature songs, and many may remember it as the ending theme of the anime Inuyasha.

It also won the 43rd Japan Record Award, so its recognition is outstanding.

Despite its grand sound, the melody line is surprisingly simple and stays within a comfortable vocal range.

With a relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing calmly without being caught off guard by sudden pitch changes.

Highly recognizable and easy to sing, it’s a safe pick for karaoke with coworkers or friends.

DarlingNishino Kana95rank/position

Darling – Kana Nishino (Full)

Lastly, here is this person: Kana Nishino.

She is like a charismatic figure for young women and has been popular for years with her love songs.

Someone like her is rare, and she herself maintains a uniquely idol-like appearance.

This song is also a classic, so if you don’t know it, please give it a listen.