2004. The Quarry era.
Four UK top 10 singles, a #2 album, numerous TV appearances including Top of the Pops, his songs on the radio, as well as being on tour with Alain still in the band (for at least part of the year).
Not bad for a 45 year old, given that the single charts is a young artist's game.
He had similar chart success during Viva Hate, but no tour, and it came off the back of the sadness of the end of The Smiths. So, for me 2004 shades it.
It was a glorious return to the public eye and to critical and commercial success, and it's sad to know that those days will never return.