Ballads is a solo studio album by English guitarist Derek Bailey. It was released on 23 April 2002, through Tzadik. In 2007, The Guardian included the album in their list of "1000 Albums to Hear Before You Die".
The album contains Derek Bailey's 14 solo guitar renditions of standard songs. It was recorded by Toby Hrycek-Robinson and mastered by Scott Hull. It was released through John Zorn's American record label Tzadik. Marc Ribot wrote the album's liner notes.
Brian Olewnick of AllMusic stated, "Ballads is stunningly gorgeous, lovely melodies like 'Laura' being passionately stroked even as they abut against Bailey's questioning angularities and brusque, impolite commentary." He added, "Whether one is glad or distressed that he chose to dip his toes into these waters, Ballads is a singularly lovely recording, one that certainly stands out in Bailey's oeuvre and one that is nigh impossible not to smile about and linger over." Dominique Leone of Pitchfork commented that "Bailey's improvisations here are at once impenetrable and immediately familiar." He called the album "a fine entryway to the appreciation of Bailey's art."
In 2007, The Guardian included the album in their list of "1000 Albums to Hear Before You Die".
Credits adapted from liner notes.