Ukina cover

Ukina

Ringo Sheena · 2013

63 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of genres, blending rock, jazz, and traditional Japanese sounds into an eclectic sonic tapestry.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    やさしい哲学 Start here — This opening track combines introspective lyrics with a catchy melody, setting the tone for the album’s exploration of philosophical themes through a playful lens.
  • →
    熱愛発覚中 — Blending elements of funk and rock, this track showcases Sheena's ability to create infectious rhythms while addressing the complexities of love and relationships.
  • →
    MY FOOLISH HEART 〜crazy on earth〜 — This song stands out with its lush arrangement and emotional delivery, reflecting Sheena's signature style of blending vulnerability with musical sophistication.
  • →
    危険すぎる — With its energetic pace and provocative lyrics, this track captures the essence of rebellion that permeates throughout the album, appealing to listeners who appreciate bold artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic sound and bold genre fusions create a distinctive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Rock & Hammer', which transitions from a slow ballad to an energetic rock section.
  • The use of traditional Japanese instruments is prominent in tracks like 'きらきら武士', blending seamlessly with modern rock elements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic flow with vibrant peaks
  • wave-like pacing for exploration
  • engaging storytelling through variety
  • for afternoon reflections

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks instant gratification
  • prefers consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Features a vibrant blend of genres, marking a bold departure from previous sounds.
Themes
Japanese cultural fusion· introspective reflections· playful love narratives
Career context
Released on November 13, 2013, Ukina marked Ringo Sheena's return after a four-year hiatus following her acclaimed album, Sanmon Gossip. At this point in her career, she was already recognized as a significant figure in Japanese music, known for her innovative style and genre-blending capabilities. This album continued to showcase her artistic evolution while maintaining her unique voice in the alternative rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Cornelius· Shugo Tokumaru· Akiko Yano

Tracklist

  • 1 やさしい哲学 Start here 4:59
  • 2 CRAZY DAYS CRAZY FEELING 3:52
  • 3 ロッキンルーラ 2:56
  • 4 IT WAS YOU 3:53
  • 5 Rock & Hammer 4:33
  • 6 You make me feel so bad 3:02
  • 7 熱愛発覚中 3:29
  • 8 MY FOOLISH HEART 〜crazy on earth〜 4:17
  • 9 あまいやまい 4:04
  • 10 危険すぎる 3:54
  • 11 becoming 4:54
  • 12 きらきら武士 4:06
  • 13 殺し屋危機一髪 2:33
  • 14 APPLE 3:54
  • 15 Between Today and Tomorrow 4:01
  • 16 MY FOOLISH HEART 〜crazy on shibuya〜 4:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata