The Ultimate Revenge Anthem
Cell Block Tango is the standout number from the musical Chicago, written by Kander and Ebb. It features six female inmates explaining how they ended up in the Cook County Jail. It's a masterclass in musical theatre storytelling, blending tango rhythms with aggressive monologues.
Unlike a pop song, you cannot just sing the notes prettily. You must embody the character. The vocal performance requires a blend of "Sprechstimme" (spoken singing) and powerful chest belting. Let's break down the technique required to perform this safely and effectively.
AI Coach Tip: Percussive Diction
The famous intro "Pop, Six, Squish, Uh-uh, Cicero, Lipschitz" relies on hard consonants. Use the tip of your tongue and teeth to make these words sound like percussion instruments. Don't rush!
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Intro (0:00 - 0:50)
The song establishes a dark, pulsing tango rhythm in F Minor. The vocal entry isn't sung; it is whispered and hissed. You need to support your breath even when whispering to project without hurting your vocal cords.
The Trap: Many singers lose the rhythm here. The words must lock in perfectly with the beat. Think of your voice as a drum kit.
Phase 2: The Monologues & Chorus (0:50 - 5:30)
Each verse is a monologue. The challenge is switching between the casual speaking voice of the story and the sung refrain "He had it comin'."
- The Belt: The chorus sits in a strong Alto range (F3 to C5). You need a brassy, chest-dominant mix. Keep the sound forward in the mask (face).
- Attitude: If you sing this politely, you fail. You need to drop your jaw and use a "twangy" tone to convey the cynicism and anger of the characters.
- Breathing: The monologues are long and fast. Plan your breath marks at the punctuation points in the story.
Phase 3: The Grand Finale
As the song builds, the harmonies stack up. If you are singing the lead or the high harmony, ensure you don't scream. Use "belting safety" techniques: anchor your body, engage your core, and do not jut your chin forward for the final notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody peaks around a C5 (High C) in a belt, though some ad-libs and harmonies can go higher depending on the arrangement.
Yes. While it is written for six women, it is a popular solo choice for cabarets and auditions. You typically choose one or two monologues and sing the choruses.
The Singing Coach AI app measures your phrasing and timing. Try recording yourself in the app while looking in a mirror to ensure your facial expressions match the intensity of the vocals.
