it depends on both who the artist is, at what time the ballad is released and how the ballad is produced and promoted.

really, a ballad's success can go both ways.

Its always risky, but it depends on who heard the ballad and whos voice is over it... Timing matters too.

No.

No, we've seen Adele, Katy, and Gaga release ballads and they all did well.

I think not enough ballads have been released from each artist to classify it as risky. Call me wrong, but I think the sudden change from dance pop to a ballad after releasing multiple up beat songs is risky because the public would be expecting to hear another banger. Kind of like with Loud (OG, WMN, S&M and then CKB), Femme Fatale (HIAM, TTWE, IWG and then Criminal). Which is why I think Nicki should release MM quickly because it won't do well if she releases it after all her dance-pop songs. But what do I know?

Yes, i mean everybody said Wide Awake wouldn't be a hit and look at it now

It's easier to smash if you do something like Call Me Maybe.