iri's Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Faster than meiri8rank/position

iri – Faster than me (Music Video)

This medium-tempo R&B track paints a picture of bittersweet longing with iri’s husky, lustrous vocals.

Released in December 2024, it was written specifically as the theme song for the ABEMA original drama “Even Though I Know: the shapes of love.” Written and composed by Nariaki Obukuro, the song closely aligns with the drama’s world.

With her restrained delivery, iri conveys with striking realism the feelings of a woman who’s drawn in despite knowing she might get hurt.

Sing it at karaoke, and its aching poignancy and mature allure are sure to make the men listening skip a beat.

It’s the perfect song for a calm, intimate night when you want to close the distance.

Butterflyiri9rank/position

iri – Butterfly (Music Video)

When you think of female singers with a low voice, many of you might first think of iri.

Among the many masterpiece tracks she has created, the one I especially recommend is Butterfly.

It has a slightly hip-hop flavor, featuring a consistently languid, rap-like vocal delivery throughout.

While the chorus reaches slightly higher notes, the song overall centers on the mid-to-low range, bringing out the appeal of women with low vocal tones.

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Ryo

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Runiri10rank/position

iri – Run (Official Audio)

iri is a female singer-songwriter who energizes Japan’s R&B scene with her low-toned vocals and stylish musicality.

She hasn’t been very active in the public eye lately, but she’s continued to release tracks that have earned high praise from hardcore R&B aficionados.

Among her songs, one I especially recommend is “Run.” It blends neo-soul and house, peppered with ad-libs throughout.

It also demands a solid sense of groove, making it a true “Japanese-killer” track—one that’s sure to captivate listeners in Japan.

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Ryo

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SUMMER ENDiri11rank/position

SUMMER END

At the end of summer, when the night air turns a little cooler, the songs I want to listen to on a walk are by singer-songwriter iri.

That irresistibly pleasant groove feels like the fleeting nature of the passing season melting together with the lingering aftertaste of a summer romance.

You can hear that bittersweet frustration in her husky voice—the wish to keep dreaming sweetly while already sensing the inevitable end.

This track was released in September 2019 following iri’s album “Shade,” and it resonated widely as the theme song for the dating reality show “Renai Dorama na Koi ga Shitai ~Kiss to survive~.” It’s a song that gently stays by your side—perfect for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

I can’t sayiri12rank/position

iri – Ienai (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter iri, who effortlessly rides alternative R&B and hip-hop and captivates listeners with her uniquely husky voice.

Released in November 2020, this track follows the album “Sparkle” and is a mid-tempo number that portrays the frustration of being unable to say what you feel in love.

The lyrics weave together faded memories symbolized by Polaroid photos and the present emotions you want to express but can’t, making it easy for many listeners to see their own experiences reflected.

A simple, sophisticated, and groovy beat melds with her somewhat wistful, soulful vocals to create an ennui-tinged atmosphere.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when you can’t be honest, or when a sudden memory sends you into a sentimental mood.

ROLLiri13rank/position

iri – Roll (Official Audio)

A digital-only single by iri released in December 2022.

When you hear iri singing this, some people might momentarily think, “Wait, is this a male singer?” just from the tone of her voice—but of course, iri is a woman! That’s why I can confidently recommend this as a karaoke pick for women with lower voices.

The vocal melody itself is relatively simple, but the key to singing this well is how faithfully you can reproduce the feel of the 16-beat groove.

I encourage you to study that aspect carefully and give it a try.

The important point is to really feel the off-beats as you sing.

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Kei Takahata

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rhythmiri14rank/position

iri – rhythm (Music Video) short ver.

She’s just undeniably cool.

When the surf music icon Donavon Frankenreiter came to Japan, she performed as the opening act at his show and became a hot topic, then went on to appear at major festivals and is now an artist to watch.

She’s a talented singer-songwriter who won the Grand Prix at the audition program “JAM.” Her husky, cool voice sticks in your head after just one listen.

She awakened to music after attending a solo acoustic show by Tavito Nanao, and it’s said that Tavito Nanao himself has also gone to iri’s shows.

I like both artists.

I believe she’s someone who will gain even more prominence and buzz from here on out.