Whether backed by guitar-driven rock or swirling electric organ, Chara is easily recognized by her near-whisper of a voice, which often seems on the verge of breaking with emotion. It's no surprise then that the prolific Japanese singer/songwriter is also a successful actress—her soundtrack to Swallowtail Butterfly features some of her best-loved work. Building her career on a bed of piano-driven ballads and house-inspired dance pop, she hit new levels in the mid-'90s by adding electric guitar and woozy trip-hop to vocals reminiscent of the offbeat stylings of Sheena Ringo and Seiko Oomori.