Take that punk misfit moniker and throw it out the window, because Everclear has grown up and out of it. To be sure, Songs From an American Movie, Vol. One: Learning How to Smile is one of the most adventurous and fully realized albums of the year. Call it age, maturity, whatever, but with this 12-song offering, the Everclear lads have hit a new plateau.

Over the years, Everclear's songwriter/singer/guitarist Art Alexakis has written songs that are emotionally touching, but the instrumental accompaniment has always hidden their lyrical power. With this album's stark instrumental bed, his voice and lyrics are vulnerable and evocative. Bassist Craig Montoya and drummer Greg Eklund -- who weren't even pegged to play on this album until they asked to come along for the ride -- turn in stellar performances themselves.

Of course, given the album's detour from Everclear's poppy-punk roots, the band adjusts accordingly. Montoya does his part by turning away from his rock 'n' roll G&L basses and using a Taylor acoustic bass. Alexakis adds six-and 12-string guitars to his decidedly electric approach. And throughout the band plays with a string section that adds mood and tension to tracks like "Learning How to Smile." The song "Otis Redding" is the best example of Alexakis and Montoya scaling their electric roots down for the tune's vibe.

Not only does Songs From an American Movie hang together as a collection of songs, the entire album feels complete. By opening with a paean to Alexakis' early musical heroes ("AM Radio"), spinning through his relationship ups (a cover of Van Morrison's classic "Brown Eyed Girl") and downs ("Now That It's Over), and ending up with a message to his young daughter ("Annabella's Song"), he creates the feel of a concept album. If that's true, and the upcoming Songs From an American Movie, Vol. Two: A Good Time for a Bad Attitude continues the theme, Everclear is headed in a stunning direction.