The soundtrack to a subpar film that became a critical masterpiece
In short: In 1986, Prince released an album that defied his own commercial trajectory. Moving away from the rock-heavy sound of Purple Rain, he crafted a sprawling, neo-psychedelic pop cavalcade. While it served as the soundtrack for a critically underwhelming film, the music itself became a celebrated creative comeback.
Released on March 31, 1986, Parade marked a significant stylistic pivot for Prince. Following the critical disappointment of his 1985 effort, Around the World in a Day, Prince traded the heavy guitar elements of his previous era for a blend of austerely produced funk, jazz, soul, and neo-psychedelic pop. Critics noted that the album felt like a 'pop cavalcade' of psychedelic affectations, blending the foundation of James Brown with the filigrees of Sgt. Pepper. It was even described as a 'fusion' of baroque pop creations with a distinct French undercurrent, likely absorbed from the film it accompanied.
Prince both acted in and guided the 1986 motion picture Under the Cherry Moon, for which this record provided the music. The record is bookended by songs referencing the film's protagonist, Christopher Tracy. These tracks, along with the inclusion of French lyrics and chanson arrangements, ground the album in its cinematic setting. Despite the film's status as 'sub-par,' the music was hailed as a 'stunning' display of Prince's skills as a melodist and arranger. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with the single 'Kiss' and was certified Platinum by the RIAA in June 1986.
The album's reception was complex. While many critics lauded it as a creative comeback, some fans and peers were divided. Rapper Chuck D suggested that Prince’s constant evolution and refusal to repeat himself alienated some of his core audience. Others viewed the record's ornate ballads as self-indulgent. However, its commercial success was undeniable, selling 1 million copies in the United States and 2 million copies internationally, successfully capturing a new audience in Europe.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Parade (Prince album)
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