i think i must side w/Close to the Edge and Awaken, Turn of the Century very close to my heart also....and Awaken wins by a note and a lyric
and you're right too difficult to pick an album.
Soundchaser is my pic for most fun — very energetic, good epic
Siberian and South Side of the Sky good mentions rick but not epic enough IMO.
and yes you forgot Gates!!!!!
ahh too much to think about...i'll stick with AWAKEN...from start to fini
pod