Written and produced by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the song was remixed slightly for its radio version.

The UK CD single includes CD-ROM information that allowed buyers to download the Digipro software package and use isolated musical tracks of "Breathe" to create their own remixes.

"Breathe" is widely regarded as a major return to form by critics and fans alike, who compared the tracks to Erasure's work from the late 1980s and early 1990s.

"Breathe" also resonated with the record-buying public and reached number four on the UK Singles Chart, becoming their 17th and last top 10 hit.

In the United States, "Breathe" became Erasure's second chart-topper on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.