An Artist's Pinnacle


We've had so many threads about favorite releases by an artist, best debut recordings etc., but I'm don't think that I have seen anyone ask this before. My question is this: Pick one or more solo artists, or bands or music from any genre. What release do you think marked the pinnacle of their artistry?
I could think of many, but the idea was sparked in my mind yesterday when I was thinking once again that for REM, it was Life's Rich Pageant. They were once a favorite band, but I eventually got really tired of Michael Stipe's nonsense. Anyway, that's not the point. Continuing with the rock genre, I will say Dirt was the peak for Alice in Chains, and Rocks was the top for Aerosmith. Only thinking of those examples because I was just listening to them yesterday.
I'm really interested in everyone else's thoughts, and I'll have a whole lot more as I think about it.
128x128roxy54
Hall and Oates never again achieved the artistry of "Sara Smile", which I believe was on their very 1st album.

Here’s an awesome version from Daryl’s House.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQEwpS8_uZY

DeKay
Interesting dekay. As a longtime fan of there earlier work, ending with Beauty on a Backstreet, I consider War Babies as their pinnacle, although it's not typical of their blue eyed soul as some called it. I think Sara Smile was on Bigger than Both of Us, their third or fourth. I love Abandoned Luncheonette from the early period.
Just Won't Burn by Susan Tedeschi, comes to mind as it was her second album and never really equalled by her later offerings. Enjoy the music
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Just Won't Burn by Susan Tedeschi, comes to mind as it was her second album and never really equalled by her later offerings.
+1