Pop Ballads:
* "Someone Like You" by Adele (2011): A classic modern ballad with powerful vocals and a heartbreaking story of lost love.
* "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith (2014): A soulful ballad with raw vulnerability and a soaring vocal performance.
* "Hello" by Adele (2015): Another iconic Adele ballad, featuring a haunting melody and emotional lyrics.
* "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran (2017): A catchy and romantic ballad with a contemporary twist.
* "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles (2019): A more upbeat and playful ballad, but still retains a heartfelt sentiment.
* "Easy on Me" by Adele (2021): A piano-driven ballad that explores themes of vulnerability and forgiveness.
R&B Ballads:
* "Earned It" by The Weeknd (2015): A sensual and atmospheric ballad with a distinct R&B feel.
* "Love on the Brain" by Rihanna (2016): A passionate and powerful ballad with a catchy melody.
* "Say So" by Doja Cat (2020): A catchy and playful ballad with a modern twist on R&B.
* "Peaches" by Justin Bieber (2021): A smooth and romantic ballad with a smooth R&B groove.
Other Notable Modern Ballads:
* "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi (2019): A poignant and raw ballad about loss and grief.
* "The Scientist" by Coldplay (2002): A haunting ballad with introspective lyrics and a unique structure.
* "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" by Taylor Swift (2021): A long, epic ballad detailing a past relationship.
Beyond Specific Songs:
Modern ballads are often characterized by:
* Emotional Depth: Focusing on themes of love, loss, heartache, longing, and reflection.
* Strong Vocal Delivery: Featuring singers with powerful and expressive voices.
* Simple Instrumentation: Frequently featuring piano, strings, and acoustic guitar.
* Catchy Melodies: While often melancholic, they still possess memorable and engaging melodies.
This is just a small selection of modern ballads, and many other incredible songs could be included depending on your specific taste and definition of the genre. You can explore further by searching online, checking out music charts, or exploring artists known for their ballad work.