If Sugarfree established itself as one of the more recognizable pop rock bands around via their last three records and their hit songs “Mariposa,” “Hari Ng Sablay,” and “Dear Kuya,” their latest album “Mornings And Airports” will have them be regarded as one of the best to have emerged this decade.

“Mornings And Airports” opens with the promotional single, “Hay Buhay,” which from the get go, has the listeners hooked. When lead vocal and guitarist Ebe Dancel sings “parang kailan lang noong ako’y nagsimula pa lang matutong…matuto,” the listeners sense that he is reflecting on his journey through life, love and loneliness; themes that the singer-songwriter draw from for the rest of the album’s 14 tracks.

At the core of “Mornings & Airports” is the melding of melody, lyrical hooks and tasty employment of guitar motifs and licks. Sugarfree blends these musical elements to great effect; never overdoing one, but just strengthening the basics resulting to well-crafted pop tunes (e.g. “Wala Nang Hihilingin,” “Get Over It,” “Mamang Driver,” “Hang Over”).

Most of the songs have easily comprehensible lyrics, too. In the song “Feels Like,” Ebe sings “would you like a drink or two, while you’re watching me watching you;” a line wrought with cadence and wit.

Couple that with a rousing rhythm guitar intro, tickling bass lines and the right amount of backbeat and, voila, the backdrop for Ebe’s lovelorn musings is established.

Meanwhile, bassist Jal Taguibao takes his turn singing lead in “Patawad.” The Smiths-like guitar intro that segues into E-head-esque stanzas, as well as the infectious chorus, show that at this point in their careers, and with this album, the band can’t do wrong.

The album is produced by Romel “Sancho” Sanchez and former E-heads Buddy Zabala. Also pitching in their talents here are guest musicians Chino David and Anjo Inacay of Silent Sanctuary (strings) on the song “Pagkatapos Ng Lahat,” and Richie Gonzaga of Corporate Lo Fi (trumpet) on “Wala.“

All these elements--the songwriting, the impeccable vocal and the tight rhythm section--are the propelling force of the album.

Or to breakdown the Sugarfree equation: If Jal and drummer Kaka Quisumbing are the meat and bones of the music, then Ebe is its heart and soul.