I always surprise Marillion fans when I tell them I'm a big fan of "Holidays in Eden". I thought it was a good mix of "accessible" music and progressive rock. Also a bit heavier for Marillion in some places.
I'm a fan of lyrics thus the Fish era is my favorite. I love poetry in lyrics or songs that tell a story. I'd put him up against ANY lyricist/songwriter including John Lennon or the highly overrated Kurt Cobain.
The others in the CD changer are Depeche Mode - Violator, Manowar - Hail to England, Oasis - What's the Story Morning Glory?, and Bush - Sixteen Stone.