The Soft Parade is the fourth studio album 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 totally departing from the material that encompassed their past three albums. 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 album fulfilled the band's desire to feature more jazz and blues influences in their work.