One of mine is Commit This to Memory by Motion City Soundtrack. I basically took the title verbatim and know the album word for word. And while I would love if it did, the rest of MCS’s stuff just doesn’t hit the same way.
And if you’re not an album person, maybe a period of time in the artist’s work? Whatever works for you.
*Lots of mentions of hit debut albums that subsequently petered out, which follows with the dreaded sophomore slump that hits many artists. Anyone with mid or even later career albums that stand alone? Those always intrigue me.
I’m with you there. SFTD hit a great balance between dark and light. I think Josh needs Nick Oliveri’s approach, though I know he had his problems (maybe still?). Musically though, I think they’re a case of a whole being greater than the sum of its parts.