Originally Posted by Iceman

Five of the characteristics of a ballad are:

* A ballad tells a story
* A ballad focuses on actions and dialogue rather than characteristics and narration.
* A ballad has a simple metrical structure and sentence structure.
* A ballad is sung to a modal melody.
* A ballad is of oral tradition, passed down by word of mouth. Therefore, it undergoes changes and is of anonymous authorship.

Repetition and refrains are also used in many ballads. This is a strong resemblance to many forms of traditional music. Many traditional ballads have themes related to the supernatural, and occasionally ballads contain a moral dimension to them, usually expressed in a final verse.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballad


In short, ballads aren't always about love, they're not always slow, the main thing is they tell a story. Not to be confused with -> Power Ballads
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_ballad

Ice