‘Parade’ is the eighth studio album by Prince, the third (and final) to feature his backing band The Revolution, and is the soundtrack album to the 1986 film ‘Under the Cherry Moon’ directed by and starring Prince.

On the album of 12 songs, Prince brings on rock elements of Prince's 1984 album ‘Purple Rain’, and adds funk, psychedelic pop, jazz and soul in the album. After the critical disappointment of his 1985 album ‘Around the World in a Day’, ‘Parade’ was released to acclaim from music critics and was named one of the best albums of 1986 by The Village Voice and NME magazine, who named it their album of the year. It also sold two million copies both in the United States and abroad.

If one were to watch the film and then listen to the soundtrack, chances are that you would enjoy the soundtrack way more than the actual movie. This period when the album was released which is mid 80s, 31^st March1986 to be precise, had other artists release, with Prince’s album standing out among many others. This album was also an insight into Prince’s musical flexibility and arrangement skills, a window to what was to come the following years.

As for songs you have some top favorites here like the epic Mountains, to the sad tone in Sometimes it snows in April which are actually my playlist favorites. There’s also the banging Girls and Boys and Anotherloverholenyohead. Prince’s father John L Nelson who has contributed in the past to his son’s music, is once again on this album with two songs Christopher’s Tracy Parade and Under the Cherry Moon. High on the list would obviously be the absolutely lovely Kiss that has some good moments.

Prince has been one of my favorite artists since I was a kid. The album is packaged with some great artwork reproduction, original gatefold sleeve, photography and full detailed inner sleeve. Well worth adding to your LP collection for being one of Prince's finest works from his short but illustrious career.

Despite repeated plays, this album doesn’t have the surface noise usually seen on old pressings of vinyl LPs. The album plays well, a few crackles and pops here and there.

All in all, this essential Prince album is an affordable addition to my vinyl collection. Although the album has often been underrated because of the movie soundtrack, ‘Parade’ is amazing, and part of that decade long run where Prince was at the height of his formidable powers. Pure class and genius.

Released on: 31^st March 1986

Label: Paisley Park Records, Warner Bros Records.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira