The maxim "the third time’s a charm" was surely invented for the latest offering from this San Diego-based surfing trio. After two albums that displayed great promise and potential (1997’s debut The Legend of Chin and the follow-up New Way to Be Human), Switchfoot blows down the doors and hits a major sprinter’s stride with Learning to Breathe.

This is a brilliant record. Musically it’s infinitely inventive—yet much more accessible than previous efforts. Lyrically it’s intelligent and poetic—yet more spiritually expressive than previous efforts. What’s more, the themes explored are quite global and broad—yet there’s still room for personal stories among the 11 songs.

The most evocative track on the album, "Love Is the Movement," wins the day with standout elements like the chorus’ gospel-tinged vocals and the bass guitar’s high-note riffing. The melody ain’t bad, either.

Switchfoot has more than come into its own with Learning to Breathe. And the band should win a whole new flock of fans because of it.