It's the best album of the 80's to me. I agree with the Pitchfork reviewer (and God knows I don't like Pitchfork in general), it's an absolute masterpiece. The melodies are simple and catchy, and set on fire by one of the most powerful and pure voices ever recorded in rock music.
I think I agree with you. It's hard to get through Gay Parade all the way. I'm now listening to Coquelicot Asleep and it's already better than Gay Parade in my opinion. But I think I'll enjoy the following stuff better again (Satanic Panic, Sunlandic Twins and the new one).