>>...the list goes on...<<

Indeed it does. Excellent topic, Pat.

Although I don't even own the album, nor am I a big Pretenders fan, I myself would recommend "Learning to Crawl" over "Back In Black." When I'd heard of Honeyman Scott's death, I half-expected the Pretenders to close up shop and fade away. Luckily, Chrissie and the boys were stubborn, strong, and talented enough to survive -- indeed, to persevere and grow.

I consider "Street Survivors" more of a leap forward than a comeback, but I wholeheartedly agree -- the inclusion of Gaines (indeed, the entire lineup, at that point) had established Skynyrd as arguably the best band in America, if not on the planet.

All due respect to Brian Johnston, I always felt that AC/DC never sounded half as good as they did with Scott at the mike. Still, the fact that the band came "Back In Black" -- at ALL -- is plenty impressive enough, in my book.

"L.A. Woman" -- absolutely no argument from me.

Others come to mind (depending on one's definition of "comeback," of course, as well as critics' & fans' perceptions and receptions -- good or bad -- of a given album):
Bonnie's "Nick of Time"
Concrete Blonde's "Bloodletting"
Stevie & Double Trouble's "In Step"
Peter Gabriel's "Security"
Actually, I consider these as being "leaps forward," moreso than comebacks. Time for me to sit back and read others' thoughts...

Thanks for kicking off an intriguing thread.