The boys of Smash Mouth, like their spiritual brothers in Sugar Ray, have come to the realization that they are no fit for ska-punk and/or rap-rock, but were made to play boppy, summery guitar pop nuggets. The songs that made them famous – “Walking on the Sun” for Smash Mouth, “Fly” for Sugar Ray – were not examples of selling out for a broader audience, but of discovering that they best play California-breezy pop songs that give the listener an oxygenated high. On their third album, Smash Mouth has entirely embraced the style, and has spun an album as light, as tart, and as sweet as lemon meringue.

Lead singer Steve Harwell dedicated the record to his late son Presley Scott, who died of leukemia at six months. There are times when the album gets serious to reflect the tragedy (notably in the latter stretches) but it mostly keeps with the sunny, fee-good vibe. “Pacific Coast Party” begins with a sample of a ’70s cop show theme (think “CHiPs”) and takes off with a swirling disco beat. “Holiday in my Head”, “She Turns Me On” and “Force Field” recall the fizzy airiness of previous Smash Mouth hits like “All Star.” The band plays with bouncing drums, bass that is as crunchy but as light as Rice Krispies, and pogoing guitars, and then they layer on organs, harmonicas ad trombones. Ska, reggae and surf are subtly weaved in, while Harwell’s gravel-inflected voice, delivered in an easygoing good humor, keeps the song from feeling like cotton candy. The only sour spot is the inclusion of “I’m A Believer,” off the Shrek soundtrack. A cover of a Monkees tune, it retains fidelity to its source while adapting to Smash Mouth’s style. It’s catchy and hummable, but lacks shelf life. Too many spins, and you won’t want to hear it again anytime soon.

Smash Mouth hasn’t put out that great, influential album. They haven’t made an arty achievement, with a scope that vanquishes lesser albums. What they make are fun, shiny baubles that please the aural canals. Their album is like eating a tasty cake; sometimes it’s better than a full meal.