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

morphineNEW!Shiina Ringo

Morphine / Ringo Sheena

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!

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Dawn of SolitudeNEW!Shiina Ringo

Kodoku No Akatsuki -La Solitude de l’aube-

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.

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Stalk – Japanese versionNEW!Shiina Ringo

Kuki -Stem- (Japanese Version)

The single’s English-lyric version was reworked into Japanese lyrics, featuring a rich, dramatic arrangement centered on strings and band sounds.

It has a strong Japanese flavor and truly embodies the overall concept of the 3rd album “Kalk Samen Kuri no Hana,” which is the fusion of Japanese and Western elements.

It’s characterized by quite a low register, so it should be perfect for those who are good with low voices.

However, if you sing it too evenly, it may become monotonous, so it’s better to project firmly in the chorus.

Try to resonate in the head so your voice doesn’t get muffled!

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Though the road home is lit by the glow of madder red…NEW!Shiina Ringo

Akane Sasu Kiro Terasaredo… -When It Begins To Get Dark… –

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.

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A faint layer of ice over a warm heartNEW!Shiina Ringo

A Double Suicide

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.

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Adult code of conductShiina Ringo

The Adult Code

This piece captivates the heart with a serious, moody atmosphere woven by quiet piano and strings.

It portrays a relationship that can only exist when shored up by lies and secrets, despite the true feelings of love beneath.

This bittersweet, adult “code of conduct” is depicted through interlacing harmonies.

Written as the theme song for the drama Quartet, which aired in January 2017, it won the Best Theme Song award at the 92nd Drama Academy Awards.

Anyone who has experienced the turmoil of a complex love caught between reason and emotion will find it impossible not to relate.

Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo

Tokyo Incidents – Makunouchi Sadistic

This is a track from the first album, “Muzai Moratorium,” released in February 1999.

The “Marunouchi” in the title refers to the Eidan Subway Marunouchi Line of the time.

Because the lyrics mention familiar place names like Ochanomizu and Ginza, as well as artists whom Ringo Sheena respects, it’s said the song may have been written based on her own experiences.

An English version is included on her fourth album, “Sanmon Gossip,” released in June 2009, so give that a listen as well.