Shiina Ringo’s Best and Most Popular Songs: From Hit Singles to Hidden Gems, All in One Guide!

slideShiina Ringo

Gintama MAD: Gintoki with 'Slide'

The title track of the debut single “Koufukuron (Happiness Theory),” released on May 27, 1998.

Although they originally wanted this song to be the title track of the debut single, due to a decision by the staff, “Koufukuron” became the title track instead—an anecdote behind the scenes.

This song is also about the man she was dating when she lived in Fukuoka.

The title track “Koufukuron” is positioned as a sequel to this song.

Apple SongShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – Apple Song

Title track of the 9th single “Ringo no Uta,” released on November 25, 2003.

Motivated by her wish for children to listen, the lyrics and credits are written in hiragana.

より親しみやすくするために、この曲は大河ドラマ『新選組！』やテレビドラマ『HERO』の音楽で知られる服部隆之によるラテン風アレンジが施されている。その後2004年、彼女は同年結成した自身のバンド・東京事変のデビューアルバム『教育』で、タイトルを改めた「林檎の唄」としてセルフカバーを再録音した。

carnationShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – Carnation

A track from the 5th album “Hi Izuru,” released on November 5, 2014.

It was the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Carnation.

Featuring grand orchestration that builds an expansive world and a captivating harp tone, it’s a song brimming with femininity.

The production started from the sound, with the lyrics completed later after an additional round of refinement.

The arrangement was a collaboration with conductor and violinist Neko Saito.

When the melody first came to mind, the idea simultaneously emerged for a harp in the background with the strings coming in, so the request was made to Saito, leading to the completion of the track.

mellowShiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Mellow

It was included on the single collection Zecchōshū as the track Tensai Preparāt and was later re-included on Watashi to Hōden.

Ringo liked the song composed by guitarist Makoto Toya and co-wrote it, and in 2008, the 10th anniversary of her debut, a music video was produced—making it a song with a number of unusual circumstances even among Ringo’s works.

remote controllerShiina Ringo

Tried Singing ☆ ‘Remote Controller’ by Sheena Ringo ♪ Maa

A track included on the third single, “Koko de Kiss Shite.” As the lyrics suggest, it was apparently written about the stress Ringo felt when she couldn’t find the remote control for her home stereo.

It is also included on the album “Watashi to Hoden.”

season (best time for something, especially when a food is at its peak), in vogueShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – In Season

A track included on the fourth album Sanmon Gossip, released on June 24, 2009.

Although it was not released as a single, it is positioned as the lead track of Sanmon Gossip.

The arrangement was handled by J.A.M, a unit within the globally active death-jazz band SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS, consisting of bassist Akita “Goldman,” pianist Josei, and drummer Midorin.

The result is a beautifully crafted, jazz-tinged mid-tempo number.

Queen of KabukichoShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – Queen of Kabukicho

A track from the first album “Muzai Moratorium,” released on February 24, 1999.

The song was inspired by a time when, after moving to Tokyo from Fukuoka and working part-time at a record shop in Shibuya, she was persistently approached by a recruiter for an S&M club on her way home.

With “sex work” as its theme, the song focuses on Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Unusually for her songs at the time, the lyrics are entirely fictional; most of her other lyrics from that period were based on her own real experiences.