It can be also matter of approach. Especially in context of noise. Some aim for album that is masterpiece. Others may aim to create a piece, that is part of the masterpiece, that is the whole body of work rather than one album.
Latter approach may offer the creative freedom. Next album does not have to objectively be better than previous, simply a path to new directions. When looking back, the album may suddenly make sense, even if it has no absolute memorable hit potential so to say. Those who want and have patience to dig deeper into entire discography, can appreciate CD as part of body of work, even when its not artists highlight. Just good and inspiring, nevertheless.
There's a lot of talk about this through-out history of art. I think simply being self aware, what is worth of other people time and attention is enough. Lots of people never complete things, but seek ways of making it better and better, to the point that any improvement has become obsolete long ago. Lots of people put out seemingly whatever. There is plenty of space between to be creative in free way.
