James' solo career began in October 2004, when he collaborated with singer-songwriter
Keedie on the single "
I Believe My Heart", which was a number-two hit on the
UK Singles Chart. Shortly after, James began recording a solo album, with the help of producer
Stephen Lipson, who had collaborated with the likes of
Boyzone,
Ronan Keating,
Daniel Bedingfield and
Will Young. The album was released on 12 June 2006, a week after the release of the lead single, "
Sooner or Later", which only peaked at #35 on the
UK Singles Chart. Upon the week of release, the album only peaked at #55 on the
UK Albums Chart. In an attempt to boost sales, "
Can't Stop a River" was released as the album's second single on 21 August 2006 but this charted even lower than "Sooner or Later", only peaking at #59 on the
UK Singles Chart. "
Amazed" was released as third and final single only in Italy and Germany on September 29, 2006. It was planned for a UK release on March 12, 2007, but was canceled when James was fired from the label in January 2007. ==Critical reception==