What makes The Big Area by Then Jerico notable?

The Big Area peaked at number 21 on the UK Albums Chart and solidified Then Jerico's reputation in the late 80s pop landscape. The album received positive reviews for its polished production and engaging songwriting, which helped it maintain relevance in the evolving music scene of the time. Released in January 1989, The Big Area was Then Jerico's second album, following their successful debut, First (1987). By this time, the band had established themselves as a prominent act within the UK new wave scene, capitalizing on their early success to broaden their sound and reach a wider audience.

How many songs are on The Big Area?

The Big Area has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

The Big Area

Then Jerico · 1989

46 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of pop melodies and new wave textures envelops listeners in anthemic choruses and emotive storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Big Area — The album's title track combines infectious hooks with a driving rhythm, serving as a bold introduction to the band's signature sound and emotional depth.
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What Does It Take? — This track showcases a more introspective side of the band, blending heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies that highlight their songwriting prowess.
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Song for the Brokenhearted — With its poignant themes and soaring vocals, this song resonates deeply, illustrating the emotional range that defines much of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases polished production and engaging songwriting typical of late '80s new wave.

What we noticed

The opening track features a soaring chorus that sets a high-energy tone, while the subsequent tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
Several songs incorporate layered synths and guitar riffs, creating a rich texture that complements the vocal melodies.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Big Area 4:49
2 What Does It Take? 3:50
3 You Ought to Know 4:14
4 Song for the Brokenhearted 4:31
5 Darkest Hour 4:33
6 Reeling 5:39
7 Where You Lie 4:56
8 Sugar Box 3:46
9 Helpless 4:09
10 Under Fire 6:03

What to play next

Listen next

Orgasmaphobia

1998

Go back to

First (The Sound of Music)

1987

Full Then Jerico discography Artists like Then Jerico

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata