After nearly 2 years with Kaleidoscope, it's hard for me to say how I feel about it in relation to the other 3 albums. I feel that BAF will always be my favorite, even if I have my own personal altered version (with SCP's ending mixed back in, fading into the title track). The Whirlwind is just chock full of great music, and I feel like i've spun it WAY more than the debut.
I guess, Kaleidoscope rests between the debut and The Whirlwind, but I feel like it's about AS good as the debut. They battle for a tie in third for me because I do find myself going to their last album sometimes, if not a bit more than their debut (of which I almost exclusively listen to the Stolt Mixes anymore). I like the epics, and "Black As The Sky" is a great rocker. I'd say the ballads are the album's weakest points, but even then, I still enjoy them a lot.
I think, whenever a fifth album is released, I can feel a bit more confident in an actual ranking....or it might get even harder.
Speaking of a fifth album, there's really been no talk between the band members about it, as far as I know. Neal has been busy with his solo band stuff, and in fact, they're meeting this month (sans some Portnoy due to his schedule) to write and record some stuff for the next album, due out later this year. Pete's got a full plate with Marillion this year, working on a new album and touring through early next year. Roine's still on the Hackett tour as far as I know, then likely some Flower Kings and/or Old Kaipa music to work on. And Mike...well Mike is Mike - busy, busy, busy.
At this rate, I doubt TA5 will get released before the end of 2017, so unless they tell us otherwise (and manage to squeeze a week or two between their schedules sometime this or next year), I'm not going to hold my breath on a new album til at LEAST 2018.
What I'd REALLY like is the Progressive Cruise show with Jon Anderson, on CD and BD/DVD. Heck, release their "Kaleidoscope Live" set as well. a 3CD/DVD/BD package would be amazing and I'd buy it up in a heart beat. I'd like to have that Yes set, as well as the covers they did on the cruise, and hearing Kaleidoscope played straight through would be neat!
-Marc.