![[Ringo Sheena] A roundup of karaoke songs that are easy to sing even for beginners](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/nRfrcaMJPnM/maxresdefault.webp)
[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.
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.
Dawn of SolitudeShiina Ringo
A song used as the theme for NHK Educational TV’s “SWITCH Interview: Masters,” with lyrics by screenwriter Aya Watanabe and composition/arrangement by Ringo Sheena.
Released on May 27, 2013 as a double A-side on “Irohanihoheto / Kodoku no Akatsuki,” it’s characterized by a driving, pop sound and powerful lyrics.
The overall vocal range spans E3–F5, making the high notes fairly demanding, but the melody itself is straightforward and easy to latch onto.
Using falsetto for the high notes in the chorus is perfectly fine.
If you focus on resonating clearly in the head, the notes should come out smoothly—imagining a bright, ringing tone might help when you sing.
slideShiina Ringo
The B-side track of the debut single “Koufukuron” (Theory of Happiness).
A full-on bittersweet ballad, it’s a masterpiece that portrays an unstable romantic relationship with cool precision and lyricism, interwoven with everyday scenes.
It was later included on the 10th-anniversary album “Watashi to Houden.” There’s no shouting or anything like that; it’s a song that requires rhythmic feel in the chorus and good breath control.
Once the song starts, you’re singing almost the whole time, but the melody isn’t difficult, so it should be straightforward to sing.
If you tense up around your shoulders, you’ll shift to chest breathing and won’t be able to inhale properly, so relax and take deep breaths using diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing.
Making sure to project your voice and fully exhale is also key.
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.
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!
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.
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.
carnationShiina Ringo
This is a song written specifically as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Carnation.” It’s a grand ballad featuring an orchestra of about 40 players, imbued with prayers for the strength of women, motherhood, and all living things.
You’ll likely find it far easier to sing than Ringo Sheena’s rock-oriented songs.
However, if the chorus doesn’t swell enough, the atmosphere can fall flat, so it’s recommended for those who want to sing out with full voice.
Throughout, make sure to lift your eyebrows and facial muscles firmly and maintain a resonant placement!
an open secretShiina Ringo
This is the theme song for the Friday Night Drama “Jikou Keisatsu Hajimemashita,” which began streaming on September 30, 2019.
The track itself features a driving ensemble, crafted to match the show’s surreal comedy-mystery vibe.
The music video too, but the song exudes a mature allure, and the rhythm and groove are crucial.
If you want to imitate Ringo-san, try singing with the corners of your mouth slightly raised and a subtly superior air.
That should give you just the right feel.
Don’t overdo it, but keeping the corners of your mouth up generally helps maintain a resonant placement, which should let you produce a stable voice.