what is a (rock) ballad?

[Tasos]

To cut a long story short: I've got some metalhead friends who tend to call all "calm" rock songs ballads.I know that this isn't a case, and I've searched it online, but I have yet to find a good, simple answer.So, can someone tell me what traits a (preferably rock) song contains that make it a ballad?

[Casey]

Actually all slow songs that usually have to do with love or loss are actually "ballads." In the 80's and 90's the term "power ballads" were used by artists in the hard rock genre. Because of the use of hard rock guitars the songs sounded a bit heavier than traditional ballads. For example, "I Remember You" by Skid Row. A slow song about love and loss, but with a heavy rock sound.
Other examples:
Nobody's Fool - "Cinderella"
"Every Rose Has It's Thorn" - Poison
"Fly to the Angels" - Slaughter
"Alone Again" - Dokken
"Heaven" - Warrant

Hope this helps!

[James]

It'a a slower rock song, very simple for example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOgpdp3lP8M