Listening to OliviaAnri1rank/position

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

Anri’s hit number “Listening to Olivia.” Thanks to the recent revival boom, it has gained some recognition among younger generations as well.

The song was released in 1978 and became a long-running hit with its distinctive musical style that blends New Music and kayōkyoku.

Its vocal range is somewhat narrow at mid1 G# to high C, and the pitch movement isn’t very drastic.

It’s slightly high for men and slightly low for women, making it highly recommended as a song that can be sung in the original key regardless of gender.

CAT’S EYEAnri2rank/position

CAT’S EYE

Until then, Anri had been strongly associated with ballads, but this track must have completely refreshed her image for many listeners.

It’s packed with the mysterious and provocative allure of a phantom thief racing through the night city.

Released in August 1983, the song topped the Oricon charts for five consecutive weeks as the theme for the TV anime Cat’s Eye.

Its urban, cool sound is also included on Timely!!, a classic album produced by Toshiki Kadomatsu.

Give it a listen when you want to recapture the excitement of that era or boost your mood on a drive.

It’s also a sure-fire hit for livening up a karaoke session.

I can't stop this sadnessAnri3rank/position

I can’t stop the sorrow — I CAN’T STOP THE LONELINESS

A gem of a love song by Anri that conveys the poignant emotions of a woman whose boyfriend has been taken by her best friend, expressed through an urbane melody and sophisticated arrangement.

With her warm vocal timbre and graceful singing, your heart aches for the heroine who loses both her lover and her friend at once.

Released in November 1983, the song was issued as an advance single from the album “Timely!!” and reached No.

4 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Bolstered by its tie-in with a Shiseido commercial, it generated a huge response.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to heal the pain of a breakup—something everyone experiences at least once—while reflecting the complicated feelings stirred by the evolving relationship between friend and lover.

SUNAHAMAAnri4rank/position

SUNAHAMA

For many women in their 50s, when you think of nostalgic female singer-songwriters, Anri likely comes to mind.

She has left us with many classic songs, but among them, the one I especially recommend as easy to sing is SUNAHAMA.

Though the vocal line has a ballad-like feel, it’s not overly mellow; it’s a blend of ennui and freshness, so there’s no need to belt it out.

The pitch changes are gentle, and there are plenty of rests, so you can sing it comfortably even at a second or third party gathering.

Cat's EyeAnri5rank/position

Cat's Eye / Anri (with lyrics)

The popular Weekly Shonen Jump manga Cat’s Eye became an even bigger hit after its anime adaptation.

It was made into movies, TV dramas, and even pachinko machines, and it still enjoys enduring popularity today.

The anime’s theme song is the well-known CAT’S EYE sung by Anri.

Its lyrics perfectly match the anime’s urban vibe, evoking a sophisticated game of love, and they’re undeniably cool—no doubt many people sing it at karaoke! The lyrics include some English, but to sing them as fluently as Anri does takes a bit of practice.

Even those who aren’t good at English would at least study that part of the lyrics really hard—making it a song packed with fond memories.

While Listening to OliviaAnri6rank/position

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

It was Anri’s debut single in 1978, and although it didn’t sell very well at the time, over the years many artists have covered it, and it’s been sung as a long‑loved heartbreak song.

For people in their 50s or early 60s, when you think of breakup songs, this one is sure to come to mind.

It’s also a song where each word strangely rings true, and the woman’s clear, rather strong line, “Don’t ever call me again,” sounded like a message about not clinging to a love that’s over.

I want to be dumped with a happy endingAnri7rank/position

I want to be dumped with a happy ending

If it’s going to end anyway, I’d rather keep it as a beautiful memory—this is a heartbreak song where bravado and true feelings intermingle.

Released in March 1987 as Anri’s 20th single, the track was featured in a JT “SomeTime LIGHTS” commercial.

It’s also included on the classic album SUMMER FAREWELLS.

Anri’s vocals resonate with the bittersweetness of a fading summer, striking straight to the heart.

The lyrics, portraying a brave yet sorrowful protagonist trying to smile in the face of parting, really hit home.

On nights when you want to look just a little ahead and sort through your memories even amid painful heartbreak, give it a listen.