The Neil Finn-led band Crowded House once joked it wanted to call its second album "the mediocre follow-up album".
But every new act, star or athlete is faced with the same predicament: how to keep up the high standards after an impressive debut.
Well, Adam Thomson does not appear to be having any of those problems, a year after going from Highlanders reserve to starting All Black.
Thomson has been a stand-out player for a rapidly improving Highlanders outfit.
His performance against the Springbok-laden Bulls in Palmerston North 11 days ago was top class and, if the All Blacks were picked now, his name would be hard to leave out.
Thomson, who has started every game for the Highlanders on the blindside flank, has added some steel to his play this year, a fact he acknowledged.
"Coming back from the All Blacks tour last year I had a few things to work on and they are progressing," Thomson said.
"It's just about being more physical, having more of a presence at the breakdown and in the tackle. Just to be a bit more aggressive in the tackle."
Thomson said getting more aggressive and physical during the match was done through hard work on the training paddock.
"I think it is more of a technique thing. Like getting in the right place for the tackle, getting in the right position. Contesting at the breakdown is a technique thing as well."
Thomson said he was aware he had a big year in 2008 and needed to have a break when he returned home from the Grand Slam tour in December.
"By the end of the year I was really tired. I was conscious I had had a big year and needed a break and that is what I did. I rested my body and came back ready for the Super 14."
Thomson (27) said he came back after the break excited to be in the game again.
"There is a real desire there. I'm not hiding the fact I want to be an All Black again. And to do that I need to perform for this team. But I'm not looking too far ahead and just need to concentrate on my game week to week.
"Being a professional rugby player you want to challenge yourself to go the highest you can, and being an All Black is about as high as you can go in the country. You want to play well and challenge yourself against the best in the world."
He feels he has got more to prove in the All Black jersey.
"Last year I was happy with getting the taste and what you had to be to be an international player. This year I know what you have to be to be an international player and I want to get another crack at it."
Thomson said he enjoyed playing openside flank, but the mix of the loose forwards meant it did not matter as much as it used to what number was on your back.
"With the openside flank you can be a bit more direct and know you're just going to hit that first ruck. But with No 6 you've got to concentrate on your lines a bit more.
"To be honest I really enjoyed a few games last year I had in No 7. But it really depends on the mix of the loose forwards."
Highlanders coach Glenn Moore was full of praise for Thomson, saying his desire to be an All Black shone through.
"He is showing every week why he was an All Black last year. He has grown a lot in the last year and is on top of his game," Moore said.
"There is huge desire there to be an All Black again. The way he is playing with the rest of the loose forwards is really making an impact on our game."
Thomson said the side had grown in recent weeks and was on a good run of three wins in their last four games.
"We've always been competitive and I think letting those first two games slip would not happen now. I think we know how to close games down now."
But the side was not taking the Reds lightly and would be looking to shut down the Australian-side's opportunities and continue their good work of recent weeks.
Thomson used the week off to freshen up, catching a bit of sun and diving off the Northland coast.
He is facing an assault charge against his partner, Joanne Holley, and the case is set for a depositions hearing in Hastings District Court in June.
Thomson said he could not comment on the case, saying he was just concentrating on playing the game on the field, and it was not impacting on his play.
