Ballads & Blues is a compilation that highlights Nina Simone's exceptional talent for interpreting jazz standards, blues, and soulful ballads. The album features emotionally charged performances that showcase her rich, expressive voice and masterful piano skills. Songs like "Trouble in Mind" and "Porgy" reflect her ability to convey deep emotion and complexity. Ballads & Blues serves as an excellent introduction to Simone's work, underlining her influence as a pioneering artist in multiple genres.