Set the Tone (Nate James album)

Set the Tone is the debut studio album by American-British soul singer Nate James, released on 8 August 2005, by Universal Music Group.

Critical reception
Reception to the album was largely mixed. Andy Gill of The Independent rated the album three stars out of five, appreciating its modern R&B style that echoes 1970s funk. He notes that the album's sound is reminiscent of Stevie Wonder's work, although it lacks meaningful messages, focusing instead on typical themes of dancing and romantic skirmishes. Though he found the album "slick" and "engaging", he felt that it failed to present "big ideas that move hearts and minds."

Tony Heywood of MusicOMH felt that the album fell short of delivering authentic soul music, arguing that James's rural background disconnects him from the urban experiences and political issues essential to the genre. He described the album as "watered down Jamiroquai, third-hand Stevie Wonder, completely anonymous flat pack soul", and felt that it lacks wit, boldness, and passion. Heywood described the album as "crushingly dull" and compared it unfavorably to other British artists such as Justin Timberlake, Craig David, Roots Manuva, and Dizzee Rascal.