Then Jerico emerged in the mid-1980s as a dynamic British rock band known for their polished sound, emotive vocals, and blend of new wave and sophisticated pop-rock. Fronted by charismatic singer Mark Shaw, the group gained momentum with their debut album First (The Sound Of Music) and later achieved wider recognition through their 1989 release “The Big Area,” which produced several UK chart hits.
Their music combined driving rhythms, atmospheric guitars, and anthemic choruses, giving them a distinctive identity within the decade’s musical landscape. Although their peak period was relatively brief, Then Jerico left a lasting imprint on the era’s rock scene, and their work continues to be celebrated by devoted fans of 1980s alternative and pop-rock music.
“Big Area” is one of Then Jerico’s most powerful and memorable singles, capturing the bold, emotional energy that defined the band at their late-’80s peak. Released in 1989, the track bursts with confident vocals from Mark Shaw, driving drums, and a soaring chorus that feels tailor-made for stadiums.
Its polished production and upbeat intensity helped the song become a major hit, introducing the band to a wider audience and cementing its place as a fan favourite. Even today, “Big Area” stands as a perfect snapshot of the era’s dramatic, high-gloss pop-rock sound.
The song peaked at No. 13 in the UK Singles Chart on 4th February 1989.
| A-Side | Big Area (4:48) (Shawm Stainthorpe, Wren, Taylor, Downes, Mungo) Produced By Gary Langan |
| B-Side | The Big Sweep (3:59) (Then Jerico) Produced By Martin Rushent |
| Genre | Electronic, Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | 16th January 1989 |
| Label | LONDON RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | LON 204 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 28th January 1989 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 13 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 05 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [5 Weeks] – 28th January 1989 – 25th February 1989 |
Officially Released Versions
Big Area (Single Version) (4:48)
Big Area (Lost Mix) (6:12)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
I was taken by surprise
I was shattered by your eyes
Living far beyond my means
Do you know how that feels?
I was waiting for so long
I was praying to be wrong
Only holding out to see and believing
There’s only one
Strong enough and hard enough
To give you up, well…
In this big area of mine
Sometimes you break me up inside
Saying I, I won’t let you go
Got that feeling if anyone
Who comes to know you
Long enough will give you away
There was never one as I
Who could stand the reasons why
Who would even take the time
Did you care, was I right?
Only once did you try
Even then it was hard enough
Just for you to realize or believe
There was only one strong enough
Or hard enough to give you up, well…
In this big area of mine
Sometimes you break me up inside
Saying I, I won’t let you go
Got that feeling if anyone
Who comes to know you
Long enough will give you away
In this big area…
Well!
In this big area of mine
Sometimes you break me up inside
Saying I, I won’t let you go
Got that feeling if anyone
Who comes to know you
Long enough will give you up, well…
Sometimes you break me up inside
In this big area of life
Saying I, I won’t let you go
Got that feeling if anyone
Who comes to know you
Long enough will give you away
I was taken by surprise
I was shattered by your eyes
Breaking down
On something so right
And so fine…
Written By Shaw, Stainthorpe, Wren, Taylor, Downes, Mungo
