The Soul Tribute Anthem
Released in 1980, "Geno" became a massive hit for Dexys Midnight Runners, reaching number one in the UK charts. Written as a tribute to soul singer Geno Washington, the song is a masterclass in high-energy performance, merging the grit of punk with the rhythm of Northern Soul.
Singing "Geno" isn't about hitting impossibly high notes; it's about stamina, phrasing, and attitude. Kevin Rowland's vocal delivery is passionate and idiosyncratic, often singing slightly ahead or behind the beat to create urgency.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Phrasing
Rowland's delivery is 'staccato'—meaning detached and short. Beginners often slur the words together. Keep your consonants sharp and your vowels short to match the punchy brass section.
Phase 1: The Chant Intro (0:00 - 0:45)
The song begins with the famous crowd chant "Geno! Geno!" This sets the energy level for the whole track. When practicing this, engage your diaphragm and think of it as shouting across a busy street, but keep the pitch controlled. You are acting as the hypeman here.
Phase 2: The Staccato Verse
The verses ("Academic inspiration...") are sung in a lower chest register. The challenge here is the rhythm. The lyrics are packed tightly into the bars.
- Articulation: Enunciate clearly. The AI Coach will penalize mumbled lyrics.
- Breath Control: Take quick "sips" of air between lines. There is very little downtime in the verses.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The release comes with the line "Oh Geno!" This requires a confident belt in the mid-range (F#4). Do not switch to falsetto; it needs the weight of your chest voice to cut through the heavy saxophone arrangement.
To achieve Rowland's signature sound, you can add a slight "cry" or "sob" to the voice. This is a technique where you tilt the larynx slightly to produce an emotive, yearning tone without straining the vocal cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest consistent belted note is an F#4. While not extremely high for a Tenor, sustaining the energy throughout the song makes it tiring.
It is best described as Northern Soul influenced Pop/New Wave. The vocal style should be soulful but with a raw, almost punk-like energy.
The song is a tribute to Geno Washington, an American R&B singer who was very popular in the UK club scene in the 1960s.
