He Gives Flowers to Everyone

Cherie Call is solid in her craft and performance. Unlike her previous works, He Gives Flowers to Everyone is strictly devotional, although she changes nothing in her sound to give it away. While "Beautiful" and "Promises I Keep" both appear on Especially for Youth compilations, the remainder of the songs are new to listeners. As usual, Call's lyrical prowess is her fingerprint. The optimistic "Believe" is refreshing against the prevalent hopelessness in contemporary music. Lines like, "Sometimes nice guys finish first" and "Sometimes you hear your favorite song right when you get in the car" directly challenge thoughts of giving up. The lyrical genius later describes a compelling airplane conversation on "It Passes All My Understanding" and concludes with the thoughtful "Only the Brokenhearted." Since Call takes few chances on the guitar, this isn't the kind of album to convert a wayward teen. It lacks the "umph!" to appeal to a broad audience, though it speaks well to those of any age who already have their hearts in the right place.