Which term describes a song of joyful praise?

The term that best describes a song of joyful praise is "paean." A paean is traditionally a type of song or lyric that expresses enthusiastic praise or triumph, often associated with festive or celebratory occasions. It originates from ancient Greek culture, where hymns and songs of thanksgiving would be sung to honor gods or celebrate victories. The essence of a paean is its uplifting nature and its focus on conveying joy and admiration.

While hymns can also be songs of praise, they are often more religious in nature and not exclusively focused on joy. A ballad typically tells a story and may not convey the direct message of praise. A chorale refers to a musical composition for a choir, often with a sacred text but distinct in style and purpose from a paean. Thus, "paean" captures the specific joyful essence of praise more accurately than the other terms.