With roots in the history of radio and performance, the Spoken Word genre is made up of vocal recordings, usually without musical enhancement (or with music used only as a backdrop). Reflecting a plethora of voices and points of view, the genre can entertain and educate. It can include anything from books on tape to recordings of historic State of the Union addresses to an interview with singing sensation Ricky Martin.
2026 note
Read more: the ListenSmart article on this style.