Swing Out Sister: From ‘Breakout’ to Timeless – The Evolution of Style and Sound

Certain Shades Of Limelight — an 8CD box set celebrating a dazzling decade of Swing Out Sister’s sophisticated pop brilliance is out on June 27th 2025.

Spanning 1994 to 2004, this beautifully curated collection captures the creative evolution of one of Britain’s most stylish and soulful bands. From smooth jazz-infused grooves to cinematic pop masterpieces, Certain Shades Of Limelight is a tribute to Swing Out Sister’s unique artistry and enduring appeal.

Formed in 1985, the trio — Corinne Drewery (vocals), Andy Connell (keyboards), and original drummer Martin Jackson — shot to fame with the timeless hit Breakout. Their refined blend of pop, jazz, and retro soul set them apart from the start, earning both critical praise and a loyal global following.

Following the success of Cherry Pop’s Blue Mood, Breakout & Beyond, this essential companion set collects five of the band’s most sought-after mid-career albums, many unavailable for years:

The Living Return (1994)

Shapes and Patterns (1997)

Filth and Dreams (1999)

Somewhere Deep in the Night (2001)

Where Our Love Grows (2004)

Each album is newly remastered for enhanced clarity and warmth, sounding better than ever. But the surprises don’t stop there — three bonus discs round out the set:

The Big Elsewhere, a soundtrack-style mini-album featuring alternate versions of the Japanese TV theme Now You’re Not Here

A treasure trove of B-sides, 7” mixes, rare edits, instrumentals, and alternate takes

Lovingly compiled with input from Corinne and Andy, Certain Shades Of Limelight is the definitive portrait of Swing Out Sister’s second chapter. The lavish booklet features insightful sleeve notes by Classic Pop’s John Earls, personal reflections from the band, and exclusive CD wallet illustrations by Corinne herself.

With a brand-new big band album currently in the works, now is the perfect time to rediscover — or be swept away for the first time by — the lush, cinematic world of Swing Out Sister.

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