Paul Cauthen Lights Up Soulful ‘Chain Smoking’ Duet With Delaney Ramsdell

Paul Cauthen rolled out “Chain Smoking,” a slow-burning duet featuring Delaney Ramsdell. The ballad is the latest advance offering from Cauthen’s fifth album, Book Of Paul, which is set for release on April 3.

Cauthen penned “Chain Smoking” with Beau Bedford and Jason Burt, one of 12 songs from the 13-track project he had a hand in co-writing. Production duties for the record were split between split between Ryan Tyndell, Steve Rusch (Jessie Murph, Koe Wetzel) and Sam Martinez (Tyler Braden, Carrie Underwood), plus Fustin (Priscilla Block) and Nate Ferraro (Beyoncé).

“If you look at the Bible, there is no book of Paul,” Paul Cauthen explained when the album was announced. “I just wanted to write something that embodies me, because I’m sick of hearing records catered to what’s hot and what’s working. Me, I’ve always been this country boy, East Texas guy. Roots, rock and roll, Texas gospel. If you look back at all my albums, I’m proud to say I meant everything I’ve said.”

“Chain Smoking” follows previously shared Book Of Paul previews “Texas Swagger,” “Bayou By You” and “Ain’t No Crime.” The new duet showcases Cauthen’s unfiltered artistry as he and Delaney Ramsdell trade verses with smoky, rootsy warmth as acoustic guitar and pedal steel drift through the haze. The song captures the heavy pull of love and loss, unfolding like a slow dance in a neon-lit barroom.

Watch Paul Cauthen’s official “Chain Smoking” video below: