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[Ringo Sheena] A roundup of karaoke songs that are easy to sing even for beginners
Ringo Sheena is a singer-songwriter with a one-of-a-kind personality and an original sensibility, who transformed Japan’s J-pop scene through her exceptional self-production skills.
Countless artists have been influenced by her, and even in the 2020s her presence remains overwhelming.
Many of her massive hits are also popular karaoke choices, but plenty of people struggle with her distinctive word choices, phrasing, and melodic lines.
In this article, we’ve picked out relatively easy-to-sing songs and compiled them across different eras.
We also share tips for singing them at karaoke, so take this opportunity to check it out!
[Shiina Ringo] A Roundup of Karaoke Songs Easy for Beginners to Sing (1–10)
BathroomShiina Ringo
Yokushitsu, with its striking guitar and piano sounds, appears on the second album Shōso Strip released in March 2000 and carries a decadent, immersive atmosphere.
Many people might sum up Shiina Ringo’s songs as “difficult,” but surprisingly, there are also tracks with a narrow range that are easy to sing.
The overall vocal range of Yokushitsu is A3–C5, which isn’t too high, so there shouldn’t be much to worry about in terms of range.
You can sing the A and B sections in a straightforward, subdued manner, but if you accent the beginning of the chorus, it will add contrast and instantly bring you closer to Ringo’s world.
Excessive WealthShiina Ringo
A classic released on May 27, 2009.
Written as the theme song for the TBS drama “Smile,” starring Jun Matsumoto and Yui Aragaki, it’s a deeply moving ballad.
The tempo is relaxed, so it’s easy to sing calmly.
The vocal range centers around D4, neither too high nor too low, so once you learn the melody, anyone can sing it.
As a drama theme, both a live version and an arranged version are included on Shiina Ringo’s 15th-anniversary release “iTunes Session.” Try singing along with your favorite version.
Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo
It’s a song notable for lyrics that depict a young woman’s complex emotions and fragments of urban life.
Set in Marunouchi, one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts, it deftly portrays the realities of work facing today’s youth and the emptiness of city living.
Phrases that symbolize a deep passion for music and a momentary escape from daily tedium are woven throughout, showcasing Ringo Sheena’s keen eye for social observation.
Included on her debut album Innocence Moratorium, released in February 1999, the track has been repeatedly covered by many artists and is acclaimed as a timeless classic.
With its rhythmic, catchy melody, it’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session.
morphineShiina Ringo
A dark and sultry track included on Ringo Sheena’s debut album, “Muzai Moratorium.” Its early-Sheena-esque sense of decadence and mystery is truly appealing.
The melody itself isn’t difficult and stays quite even, so I think it’s easy to sing.
There are some scooped notes that rise at the ends of phrases, but if you’re not good at them, it’s fine to ignore and sing normally.
Since there’s a part in the final chorus where the pitch rises, project your voice without hesitation.
Even if you go off-pitch, it’s okay—what matters most is singing out fully and enjoying yourself!
A faint layer of ice over a warm heartShiina Ringo
This classic single by Megumi Hayashibara was released in February 2016, produced and newly written by Ringo Sheena.
It served as the opening theme for the anime “Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju,” a track rich in Japanese flair, sensuality, and drama.
In 2017, Sheena also included her self-cover on the album “Reverse Import: Aeronautical Bureau.” When singing it, avoid belting; let some breath escape as you sing to instantly create the mood.
It can also work well if you avoid crisp enunciation and deliver it in a slightly murmured tone.
Try not to strain your throat—sing with a gently elevated energy so your pitch doesn’t drop and your voice comes out easily.
Since it uses a lot of breath, stay relaxed with diaphragmatic breathing and sing it through to the end.
Though the road home is lit by the glow of madder red…Shiina Ringo
A ballad set on the way home at dusk, expressing heartache, anxiety, and feelings that can’t be put into words.
It’s included on Innocence Moratorium and reflects teenage emotions, portraying the bittersweetness and unease of twilight alongside a fuzz-tinged bassline.
Among fans, it’s cherished as a hidden gem.
It’s also popular for karaoke and is often called a poignant classic that evokes evening scenes from late summer into autumn.
For the verse, drop your voice as if placing it right in front of you, and from the chorus on, be careful not to suddenly belt.
It’s good to focus on making the opening lines clear and crisp.
Gods and BuddhasShiina Ringo
A soulful blues rock track featuring Hideto Mukai of ZAZEN BOYS, it was used as the CM song for the au smartphone “isai vivid.” It’s a song I feel works better sung with someone rather than solo.
If you only read the lyrics or only listen to the music, it might feel difficult, so I recommend pairing the lyrics and the music together.
There are some shout-like parts here and there, but first try singing it normally, and once you get used to it, you can gradually add some shouts.
If you’re not good at shouting, sing clearly and crisply! The chorus has a wave-like melody line, but if you don’t rush and sing the lyrics as they are, you’ll be fine.