Difference between Ballads and Uptempo's

[TheLadyoftheWood]

Posted: 12/6/10 at 5:17pm

I thought I would never ask a question like this but, what is the big differentiators between the two things. I know there are such things as power ballads, but couldn't some of them be considered Uptempo's also. Some examples: Hellfire-Hunchback of Notre Dame and Make Them Hear You-Ragtime.

Any help at all would be much appreciated. I'm auditioning for a show and I have to sing two different songs one an Uptemo and the other a Ballad.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/6/10 at 6:04pm

It's basically about tempo. A ballad is generally a slower, emotionally-driven song. Uptempo is usually quicker, peppy, sometimes comedy-driven or used to feature deft lyrics or a dance break. Hellfire and Make Them Hear You are ballads. From Hunchback, Topsy Turvy or A Guy Like You would be uptempo. Likewise, Crime of the Century or What a Game would be uptempo numbers from Ragtime.

PS
Uptempos <---yes
Uptempo's <--- no

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 12/6/10 at 6:20pm

I thought a ballad was a song that tells a story.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/6/10 at 7:19pm

Make them Hear You is a ballad. What a Game is uptempo.