Is an A/C Ballad only about romantic love or can it be any topic?

[adamrkenyon]

Is an Adult Contemporary Ballad only about romantic love or can it be any topic?
I'm wondering because there is a listing for A/C Ballads that doesn't specify what topics the lyrics can be on, but all the references are love songs.

[cosmicdolphin]

They need to be universal lyrics..so I guess that makes love songs much easier to write

What else were you thinking of ?

[adamrkenyon]

I was thinking of a song about encouragement during difficult times.

[cosmicdolphin]

I was thinking of a song about encouragement during difficult times.

That's a universal theme so I would think you'd be good to go.

[Kolstad]

Robin Frederick lists a number of things to write about in “Shortcuts”. I think a/c is very descriptive, really. Anything adults experience in our time right now could be a theme or issue to write about. Lots of songs about sociological and psychological issues, lgbt, loneliness, racism, mental illness, economic struggles, isolation, work, suffering, relationships, make it in life, tough emotions.. ect. There is no shortage of things to write about, but question is which things do you care about and find katharsis by writing about?

[Kolstad]

I was thinking of a song about encouragement during difficult times.

Empowerment songs is always very popular, especially with female artists, and has been for a number of years. Definitely viable..