[5] Lead singer Corinne Drewery wrote the song while recovering from a fractured skull she had suffered in an equestrian accident.

Swing Out Sister had already signed a two-song deal with Mercury Records, but the first song, "Blue Mood", had failed to chart.

This influenced the lyrics, as Drewery was inspired primarily by her decision to give up on a much more secure career as a fashion designer to pursue her dream of being a singer.

[6] The music video[7] for "Breakout" features lead singer Corinne Drewery as a fashion designer, who with the assistance of the other two band members designs and makes her own dress, and later makes a successful runway debut, modelling the garment while her bandmates open a bottle of champagne and toast to her success.

Jerry Smith of the Music Week magazine praised "Breakout", describing it a "bubbling, dynamic number with irresistible rhythm and powerful, melodic vocals, backed by rousing horns and sweeping strings", and deemed it a potential hit.