Paul Cauthen goes by the nickname “Massive Velvet,” and you will perceive precisely why as quickly as you hear his voice.
This Texas-born alt-country crooner has a wealthy, deep and sultry baritone that might give even Elvis Presley a run for his cash.
Over the course of his almost decade-long solo profession, Cauthen has used that voice to the fullest, releasing deeply emotive songs about love, dying, habit, religion, and partying somewhat too arduous.
The singer attracts these narratives from real-life experiences. Albums like My Gospel and Room 41 chronicle his private struggles, together with a darkish interval of alcohol and drug use that adopted the top of a relationship.
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Since then, he is continued to launch music that paperwork his life levels.
The latest track on this record is “Grateful,” a 2025 observe that arrived months after Cauthen introduced he’d been identified with thyroid most cancers. In comparison with his early materials, the track displays a noticeable shift in development, maturity, and perspective — but he’s at all times remained the identical rhythm-forward, nuanced storyteller.
One other vital facet of Cauthen’s profession has been his appreciation for music historical past: Each within the nation style and the opposite codecs from which he pulls affect.
His unique track “Everyone Walkin’ This Land” might simply be mistaken for a traditional folks tune. It highlights Cauthen’s position as a pupil of the American Songbook as a complete — not simply nation music’s contributions.
He is additionally a strong cowl artist who has launched variations of classics by Chris Cornell, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles and extra.
For this record, we selected his model of the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody,” recorded as a duet with fellow vocal powerhouse Orville Peck. It is a showpiece of a track, and value listening to only to take pleasure in precisely how unimaginable each artists’ voices are.
Hold studying for Style of Nation’s round-up of the High 10 Paul Cauthen songs to date.
The ten Finest Paul Cauthen Songs
Paul Cauthen goes by the nickname “Massive Velvet,” and you will see precisely why as quickly as you hear his voice. This Texas-born, Americana-leaning crooner might give Elvis’ deep, wealthy, sultry voice a run for its cash!
Although he is lesser recognized in mainstream nation circles, Cauthen is a mainstay for his highly effective subject material, lyrical darkness and compelling dwell present. Hold scrolling for the ten finest songs to get to know this one-of-a-kind performer.
Gallery Credit score: Carena Liptak
