Then Jerico – Big Area

Released in 1989, “Big Area” became the defining hit for Then Jerico and marked the commercial peak of the London-based rock band. Taken from their second album, The Big Area, the song showcased a more polished and expansive sound than their earlier work, blending anthemic rock with polished pop production. Fronted by Mark Shaw, the band combined soaring melodies with powerful instrumentation, creating a record that perfectly captured the confident, stadium-ready sound of the late 1980s.

Written by Mark Shaw & the band, the song reflects themes of ambition, opportunity and embracing life’s possibilities. Its lyrics are deliberately open to interpretation, encouraging listeners to look beyond limitations and seize the moment. Shaw’s passionate vocal performance is supported by driving guitars, shimmering keyboards and a powerful rhythm section, while the polished production gives the track a widescreen quality that matches its uplifting message. The memorable chorus and energetic arrangement helped make it one of the band’s most enduring recordings.

“Big Area” established Then Jerico as one of Britain’s leading rock acts at the close of the decade and introduced the group to a wider audience. Although the band enjoyed only a relatively brief period of mainstream success, the song has remained a favourite on 1980s radio playlists and compilation albums. Today, it is remembered as a classic slice of late-1980s British rock, admired for its infectious melody, polished musicianship and optimistic spirit. More than three decades after its release, “Big Area” continues to stand as the signature recording of Then Jerico’s career.

The song peaked at No. 13 in the UK Singles Chart on 4th February 1989.