Whether he knows it or not, every man lives by a code. And for country provocateur Paul Cauthen, that code is simple. Always bet on yourself. A singer-songwriter with a well-documented distaste for playing by anyone else’s rules, the East Texas native spent two decades clawing his way through the country underground, embodying the independent spirit with a monolithic Big Velvet vocal. Fusing classic-country grit, gospel power, and a rhinestoned rock edge, four previous albums proclaimed his singular style with a booming baritone and near-biblical swagger.

Cauthen’s fifth album, Book of Paul, takes him further down his path of utterly authentic country music; fearless, proud, and with two middle fingers in the air. Co-writing 12 of 13 tracks, the troubadour confesses to his wild side and wrestles with the sin. He spares no detail – and makes no compromise.