ballad
what it is
Music that's slow in tempo, usually sung or performed with a romantic or sentimental emotion, and often out of character for the band or artist performing the song.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make ballad a playlist
turn these 22 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is ballad?
Music that's slow in tempo, usually sung or performed with a romantic or sentimental emotion, and often out of character for the band or artist performing the song.
What are good ballad albums to start with?
Try The Velvet - The 2nd Mini Album by Red Velvet, Something to Remember by Madonna, MOONRISE by DAY6, and EXIT : E by Winner.
Who are some women making ballad?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/ballad/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making ballad, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20