Sometimes it happens close together like Wilco with Summerteeth - which seemed to be everything they ever could do all at once and then YHF "topped" it (though to me YHF is only partially successful and I think Summerteeth is the better album).

I don't know if I'd say "better", but in the late 90s most people doubted
Californication
would be as acclaimed as it was, or that the Red Hot Chili Peppers would release more multi platinum albums in the 2000s.

Michael Jackson with
Off The Wall
. Very few thought he could release an album that would be more acclaimed and more popular than OTW, or that he could get any bigger.

Neil Young

I wouldn't be surprised if this was said about my newest favorite because it sadly did take him awhile to get to where his highest point took place. My late beautiful precious Billy Joe Royal hit the #9 spot with his song named "Down In The Boondocks" in 1965. It wasn't until 1987 that a song from him made it to a higher position. (wondering what people were drinking during that 22 year period)
God bless you and his family always!!!
Holly
Check out my most favorite singer, James Otto, when you can! I love him SO much!!! (smiles)

ideally the first, but it might be so narrow that i'll include the other
whoop whoop that's tha sound of da police

Better than anything previously, or just better than the long gap of mediocre stuff?
There is nothing in the world that Donald Trump cant make worse.