Area Code released their debut album ONE BIG WORLD (1991, Myrrh), many moons ago. Group members were: Stacy B, Jeffrey Smith, Leanza Cornett, and Lindsey Seals. I was able to get in touch with Lindsey via the Internet. He says the group was named as it was because "the idea was to be able to reach all types of people in all types of places". The group's purpose was "to have music that would rival some of the current pop groups of the time". Also, "to show young people primarily, that you could really love Jesus , and be cool and have fun at the same time". ONE BIG WORLD was produced by Eric Champion and Collyer Spreen and executive produced by Chris Christian.
First up is 'Impossible Is Impossible' which is the only song not written and arranged by Eric Champion. This decent pop/dance song that includes rapping, was penned by Eric, Jeffrey Smith, and Stacy B. It's highly optimistic due to faith in God: "Problems, problems/Who's gonna solve them?/I know someone who can/Impossible is impossible/There's nothing that He can't do/If you'll just give it up/Let Him take control/The impossible will happen for you!" 'Follow You' is a pop/dance song of true spiritual devotion: "Nothing can stop this feeling that I feel inside, oh, no/It's like a blazing flame of fire shut up in my bones/Oh, there's a longing within my spirit to be more like You in every way/And no matter what the cost/That's what I'm willing to pay".
The adult contemporary ballad and title track, 'One Big World', follows. It's about the family of God and includes nice electric guitar work by Jerry McPherson. Here are some of the lyrics: "We share the same Father in heaven/The very same blood is flowing through our veins/We are one big world getting smaller/Living in harmony, living free". 'What in the World' is a pop/dance number about fulfilling the Great Commission: "Then all of a sudden it hit me like the stone cold truth/It's not a request, it's a command/Go to all nations, share the truth".
'Write On Me' is the song of one wanting to be used by God: "Write on me, sign Your Name on me/Lord, please take Your pen of love and write across my heart/Write a message that You want to share/And let me do my part". Next up is 'The Winning Side', a techno pop/dance track encouraging unity in the body of Christ: "It is time to join together and unite/We must tear down the walls built up around us that divide/Opinions cannot separate family ties/This army's eyes should be on the same prize".
'All of Me' is a slow adult contemporary ballad. It's a love song to God: "Lord, You gave the greatest gift to me/When You gave Your Son who died so unselfishly/And now I want to willingly give myself to You/For my everything is the least that I can do for You". The swell techno pop/dance song 'Final Frontier' follows. It points to our ultimate source of power: "Capturing thoughts, casting out fear/Conquering the final frontier.../Know where your strength comes from/Draw from His might/Cause He is the Son of God!"
'Havin' So Much Fun' will get your feet moving. It includes these wonderful words: "This joy I have, the world does not understand/Oh, no, even when bad times come, sure as the morning sun/I have security that He will rescue me/And turn bad times to good". Last up is 'Inside Out'. It is addressed to non-Christians: "Pleasure lasts for but a season/You got a short-term life without a reason/You could be a new creation/Take a stand on the Rock of salvation!"
ONE BIG WORLD is a fun album to listen to! I think it's aged pretty well. There are eight pop/dance tunes and two adult contemporary ones. The majority of the songs are fast paced. There are sweet, cheerful female vocals and soulful male vocals. Message-wise, it is clear Area Code wants to do God's will and has an overcoming attitude when it comes to spiritual warfare. Several of the songs talk about being a light for Christ and making disciples. A couple of the songs directly invite people to become Christians. Area Code also desires believers to be united worldwide. I'm rating this album 90% and recommending it to fans of Crumbacher, Kim Boyce, and California Dreams. So, what happened to the group members? Leanza Cornett became Miss Florida in 1992 and Miss America in 1993. She also worked on 'Entertainment Tonight', among other ventures. Jeff is now Senior Pastor at City of Life Church in Kissimmee, Florida. Lindsey Seals is Senior Associate/Music Pastor of NOW Church in Ocala, Florida. He is recording a live worship single on March 15/19. He says Stacy pastors with her husband in Canada. A second Area Code album was recorded but never released. I hope it is one day.