“Breakout” is an upbeat and sophisticated pop-jazz song by British band Swing Out Sister, released in September 1986 as the second single from their debut album, It’s Better to Travel. Written by band members Andy Connell, Martin Jackson, and lead vocalist Corinne Drewery, the track became the group’s signature song, blending catchy melodies, jazzy instrumentation, and a polished pop sensibility.
The song’s lyrics convey an empowering message about breaking free from limitations and embracing change. Lines like “And when the day is through / It will break your heart in two” and “Don’t start to ask / And now you’ve found a break to make at last” reflect a theme of self-discovery and optimism. The upbeat tempo and celebratory tone make it a feel-good anthem about taking control of one’s destiny. Musically, “Breakout” combines elements of sophisti-pop, jazz, and new wave, featuring lush orchestration, a prominent horn section, and a danceable groove. Corinne Drewery’s smooth and charismatic vocal delivery complements the track’s vibrant energy, while Andy Connell’s keyboard arrangements and Martin Jackson’s rhythm contributions create a dynamic and polished sound.
The song was a major commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In the United States, the song also topped Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards in 1988. The track helped their debut album, It’s Better to Travel, achieve platinum status in the UK and established the group as prominent figures in the sophisti-pop genre.
The music video for “Breakout” was directed by British director directed by Nick Willing. It features lead singer Corinne Drewery as a fashion designer, who makes her own dress, and later makes a successful runway debutThere are two versions of this video; the official monochrome version and the alternate color version.