Big music (aka big rock) refers to a style of commercial rock music popularized by U2 and Simple Minds in the early-to-mid 1980s. It features anthemic choruses and a dense, bombastic style of production, with pounding drums, soaring vocals and ringing, reverb-heavy lead guitar work.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys originally coined the term 'The Big Music' to describe his band's output, with critics and journalists soon using the notion of 'big' to refer to the music of other popular rock acts in the mid-1980s, such as U2, Simple Minds, The Alarm and The Icicle Works. English producer Steve Lillywhite was heavily associated with the style, creating a trademark stadium-friendly sound when working on releases such as Sparkle in the Rain, The Crossing and War (as well as mixing The Joshua Tree).

Developing from the late 1970s and early '80s post-punk and New Wave music climate, the style was also influenced by Bruce Springsteen's grandiose brand of heartland rock. As a result of many bands hailing from Scotland, Ireland or Wales, some groups, most notably Big Country and The Waterboys, incorporated elements of Celtic rock into their sound.

Whilst the golden era of 'the big music' was undoubtedly between the years 1983-1987, the genre continues to maintain a heavy impact on popular music. The influence is evident in post-millennium bands such as Arcade Fire, The Killers and Coldplay, while Simple Minds nostalgically titled their 2014 album "Big Music".