In late 2004, his reggae flavoured debut song, "Why Do I Do", began to hit the airwaves. It made a big splash on BBC Radio 2, making the A Playlist. It entered The Box's 'BoxTops' Top 10 chart and looked set for instant success. However, the typical audiences of Radio 2 are not single buyers, and although it received airplay, the song entered the UK Singles Chart at #25 (Britain's chart being based solely on singles sales at this point).
James resurfaced in the spring of 2005 with "Foolish", another ska/reggae influenced song, but this time a lot more fast paced and up-beat. This time around, he was picked up by BBC Radio 1, with a younger listenership and more suitable demographic. The song broke into the top 20, hitting #16 on the UK chart. The success of the song allowed for his first appearance and performance on the music show Top of the Pops (which had always been a dream of his).
In the July 2005, Tyler's third single began to receive airplay in clubs and sometimes on the radio. Originally a #1 hit for White Town back in 1997, James covered the song "Your Woman", adding a 'dancier' edge and yet another reggae twist. In late August 2005, Tyler James performed at V Festival 2005. Despite this apparent promotion, "Your Woman" only reached #60, casting doubts over his future.
His album The Unlikely Lad was released as a digital download in August 2005.
James has been dropped from Island Records which also saw the end of his website tylerjamesonline.com
