"Parade" was released on March 31, 1986 to acclaim from music critics, who viewed it as a creative comeback after the critical disappointment of "Around the World in a Day". In a contemporary review for "The New York Times", John Rockwell said that the album succeeds in part because of the more aggressive songs, "in which Prince chooses to play up the black side of his multifaceted musical sensibility." "The Sunday Times" found its musical scope "stunning", and the "Detroit Free Press" called the album "a confirmation of Prince's place as a superior melodist, arranger, and player, as well as a celebration of his creativity." "Hi-Fi News & Record Review" called songs such as "New Position and "Girls and Boys" well-crafted funk and said that "when Prince opts to go completely daft, as he does on 'Do U Lie'... even then the result is somehow endearing and instantly likeable."