Parade (Prince’s eighth album, his third and final with backing band The Revolution) casts a broad influence — its eclectic funk, jazz and pop-rock fusion affecting numerous neo-soul albums over a decade later. “Kiss” and “Girls & Boys” shine here, but the true secret weapon is the string arrangements of Clare Fischer, which give Parade a uniquely European feel (“I Wonder U,” “Venus de Milo”). Even brighter moments flared from the 12-inch releases: the majestic, unedited "Mountains,” plus “Alexa de Paris” and “Love or Money” on the B-sides. Peak Prince happens here.

– Miles Marshall Lewis