oen today 12 to 7 ! on this date in 1969 ! The Soft Parade is the fourth studio alb** by the American rock band the Doors, and was released on July 18, 1969, on Elektra Records (see 1969 in music). It saw the group departing from the material that encompassed their past three alb**s. The Doors incorporated brass and string arrangements into their compositions at a point in which the group was experiencing personal issues, particularly related to Jim Morrison. In addition, the alb** fulfilled the band's desire to feature more jazz and blues influences in their work.