I first heard Shiina Ringo when I happened upon a band called Tokyo Jihen, a band she is the lead singer for. Her very unique voice is unmistakable, just as unmistakable as the songs she sings. Whether on her own, or with the band, Shiina-sama can do it all: jazz, pop, rock, Chamber music, lounge, electric or punk. And like everything else she releases, Superficial Gossip covers a wide range of sounds.

This album is a completely solo project, with no guest appearances on any of the songs. Also, most of the tracks on the album were penned completely by Shiina Ringo herself, as well as being composed on her own. It’s no wonder she is ranked #36 in the Top 100 Japanese artists!!

The following is the track listing:

1. Hayari
2. Roudousha
3. Mittei Monogatari (check it out on Last.fm here)
4. 0 Chiten Kara
5. Karisome Otome (watch her perform it live at Expo 08 here)
6. Tsugou no Ii Karada
7. Shun
8. Futaribocchi Jikan
9. Mayakashi Yasaotoko
10. Togatta Teguchi
11. Irokoizata (check it out on Last.fm here)
12. Bonsai Hada
13. Yokyou
14. MarunoUchi Sadistic (EXPO version)

I cannot get enough of this album! Mittei Monogatari & Hayari are probably my two favourite new tracks. I still love Karisome Otome, and have since the single was released. Irokoizata has that upbeat lounge sound that just makes me want to dance around the room, no matter what I am doing. (I dance around the kitchen as I bake or cook listening to it!) There is such a wonderful variety in the music that each song clearly stands out from one another. This is a CD I can say I can recommend without any reservations.

You can pick up Superficial Gossip on YesAsia for $26.75, a good $13 cheaper than on Amazon! If you are interested in hearing more of Shiina, then may I also suggest Tokyo Jihen’s Adult CD.