The Soft Parade

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Template:Album infobox The Soft Parade was released in 1969 by The Doors. It was not as successful as their previous records due to its inclusion of brass and string instrument arrangements. It is also different to the Doors' other albums because a number of the song lyrics were written by the band's guitarist, Robbie Krieger. After this album, the Doors returned to more simple and pure styles on Morrison Hotel and L.A. Woman, with just the four band members playing. While the sound of this album might suggest that they were losing their touch, recordings of live performances, such as "The Doors in Concert" and the "Live in New York" Disc of the "Box Set" (disc 2), are proof that they were still fully capable of creating their distinctive atmospheres.

All the songs feature strings and horns except the last song. The effect of this is generally unsuccessful, though the song "Wishful Sinful" makes beautiful use of a string section, creating one of the Doors' sweetest songs. The final track, "The Soft Parade", starts as a poetry reading, with "Petition The Lord With Prayer". After a few different tunes, the main rhythm and riff commence, and the song continues with the same riff for approximately six minutes. The song is approaching the Doors' distinctive rock-poetry style, but it is not done as competently as The End or The Celebration Of The Lizard.

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