No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls

{{safesubst:#invoke:Unsubst-infobox||$params=italic_title,name,type,longtype,artist,cover,border,alt,caption,released,recorded,venue,studio,genre,length,language,label,director,producer,compiler,chronology,prev_title,prev_year,year,next_title,next_year,misc|$extra=italic_title,longtype,border,caption,language,director,compiler,chronology,year,misc|$aliases=italic title>italic_title,Italic title>italic_title,Name>name,Type>type,image>cover,Cover>cover,Border>border,Alt>alt,Caption>caption,Longtype>longtype,Artist>artist,Released>released,Recorded>recorded,Venue>venue,Studio>studio,Genre>genre,Length>length,Language>language,Label>label,Director>director,Producer>producer,Compiler>compiler,Chronology>chronology,Misc>misc|$flags=override|$B={{#ifeq:{{#invoke:Is infobox in lead|main|[Ii]nfobox [Aa]lbum}}|true|{{#if:Template:Has short description | |Template:Short description|noreplace}}}}{{#invoke:Infobox|infobox}}Template:Template otherTemplate:Category handlerTemplate:Main other{{#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=Template:Main other|preview=Page using Template:Infobox album with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y|italic_title |type |name |image |cover |border |alt |caption |longtype |artist |released |recorded |venue |studio |genre |length |language |label |director |producer |compiler |prev_title|prev_year|next_title|next_year|chronology|year|misc}}{{#if:{{#invoke:String|match|error_category=Music infoboxes with Module:String errors|A|1=Still Not Getting Any...2004studioNo Pads, No Helmets...Just BallsNopads.jpgThe band members partying in a hotel room with several womenSimple PlanMarch 19, 2002Template:HlistPop-punk43:13*Lava

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No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls is the debut studio album by Canadian rock band Simple Plan. Formed by members of Reset, Simple Plan spent over a year recording their first album with producer Arnold Lanni. It is a pop-punk record that revolves around being an outcast, drawing comparisons to Blink-182, Good Charlotte and New Found Glory. After signing with major label Atlantic Records, "I'm Just a Kid" was released as a single in February 2002, with No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls following on March 19. It received a mixed reaction from music critics, with some commenting on the lack of originality and others praising the production.

They promoted it with supporting slots for Sugar Ray, Blink-182, Green Day and short stint on Warped Tour. Between support slots for Good Charlotte and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, "I'd Do Anything" was released as a single. Preceded by the single release of "Addicted", the band supported Avril Lavigne, before appearing on Warped Tour again. Their fourth and final single "Perfect" was followed by radio festivals and a co-headlining tour with MxPx in early 2004.

Background and production

In 1993, vocalist/guitarist Pierre Bouvier and drummer Chuck Comeau formed punk rock band Reset when they were both 13. The group would later tour Canada with the likes of Face to Face, Ten Foot Pole and MxPx.<ref name=AMbio>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They released their debut album No Worries in 1997;<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> unhappy with the musical direction, Comeau left to attend college.<ref name=CAReset/> Reset released their follow-up, No Limits in 1999.<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> Later in the year, Comeau formed a new band with guitarists Jeff Stinco and Sebastien Lefebvre. Bouvier was going tired of being both a singer and a guitarist; he met Comeau again in late 1999 and joined the latter's new band.<ref name=AMbio/> For some time, Bouvier switched between the new group and Reset, before ultimately leaving the latter.<ref name=CAReset/>

Bassist David Desrosiers briefly filled Bouvier's position in Reset, which impressed Bouvier and Comeau. Desrosiers was interested in joining another band.<ref name=CAReset/> when he was asked to join the new outfit. As they began touring, they went under the name Simple Plan, and appeared on the 2001 Warped Tour.<ref name=AMbio/> The band rehearsed material at Rumble Fish Studios, before recording at Arnyard Studios in Toronto, Ontario. Arnold Lanni produced the sessions; he and Ziad Al-Hillal handled recording.<ref name=NPNHJBbooklet/> There were a number of occasions where Lanni would leave Stinco in charge of recording for a few days at a time, only for him to come back and a scrap everything he did.<ref name=AltPoral>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Additional recording was done at Select Sound (in Buffalo, New York) and Studio West (in San Diego, California) with Angelo Caruso. The sessions lasted a year to a year-and-a-half,<ref name=AltPoral/> eventually concluding in February 2002.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Bouvier said the long process was due to a clash of opinions between the band and Lanni: "He came from a different world than we did, and he wanted to push the quirky, pop side of what we were doing. We were more of the pop-punk guys that wanted to keep it a little more simple."<ref name=AltPoral/> Lanni wanted Bouvier to sound more whiny, which Lanni felt would help the band sound more unique; Bouvier later regretted this.<ref name=AltPoral/> Caruso, Al-Hillal and Dom Condo did digital editing, before the tracks were mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound in New York City.<ref name=NPNHJBbooklet/>

Composition

Musically, No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls has been described as pop-punk,<ref name=IGNreview2/> drawing comparisons to Blink-182,<ref name=Melodicreview/> Good Charlotte and New Found Glory.<ref name=Exclaimreview/> The album's predominant theme revolves around being an outcast.<ref name=Kludgeinterview>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The material was written in Comeau's basement; Bouvier said they wanted every track to have "[l]ots of power, energy and catchiness."<ref name=CAReset>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The opening track "I'd Do Anything" was one of the first songs written for inclusion on the album,<ref name=MTVAnything/> and includes Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 doing back-up vocals.<ref name=NPNHJBbooklet/> The members had become friends with Blink-182 when Reset opened a show for them in 1997, and subsequently stayed in contact. The narrator reminisces about a girl from high school later in life, and wondering if life would be different if they stayed with her.<ref name=MTVAnything>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is followed by "The Worst Day Ever", which sees Bouvier talk about the worst day he's experienced.<ref name=IGNreview/> Joel Madden of Good Charlotte provided back-up vocals for "You Don't Mean Anything".<ref name=NPNHJBbooklet/> Bouvier said he and Comeau wrote "I'm Just a Kid" about how they felt when they attending high school, namely "feel[ing] like it's the end of the world".<ref name=MTVKid>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lanni contributed piano to "Meet You There".<ref name=NPNHJBbooklet/> With "My Alien", the narrator divulges his relationship with an extraterrestrial.<ref name=IGNreview2>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Discussing the closing track "Perfect", Bouvier said it was about parents wanting and expecting a lot from their children, such as pushing them into careers they don't want.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Release

Partway through the recording sessions, they signed to major label Atlantic Records in October 2001.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> "I'm Just a Kid" was released as a single on February 4, 2002.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The CD version included "One by One" and "Grow Up" as extra tracks.<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> The band wanted "Addicted" as the first single, however, due to a film opportunity, "I'm Just a Kid" was chosen instead;<ref name=AltPoral2>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> it ultimately appeared on the soundtrack for The New Guy.<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> The song's music video was directed by Smith N' Borin; it features DJ Qualls and Eliza Dushku (both of whom appear in The New Guy). The clip shows the pair dating, which ties into The New Guy, while the band attempts to impress Dushku.<ref name=MTVKid/>

No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls was released on March 19 through Lava and Atlantic Records.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Various countries and territories had different bonus tracks: Australia and Japan ("One by One" and "Grow Up"),<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref><ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> the US ("Grow Up" and "My Christmas List"),<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> and Europe ("Grow Up" and a live cover of "American Jesus" by Bad Religion).<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> On June 8, a music video was filmed for "I'd Do Anything" in Toronto, Canada,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and additional filming being done in Cleveland, Ohio with Hoppus.<ref name=MTVAnything/> "I'd Do Anything" was released as a single on September 16.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> The CD version included "Vacation", a live version of "The Worst Day Ever", and video for "I'd Do Anything".<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref>

The Japanese-exclusive live album Live in Japan 2002 was released on January 21, 2003.<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> "Addicted" was released as a single on February 24.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The CD version included a cover of Cheap Trick song "Surrender" and the video for "Addicted",<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> while the 7" vinyl version included "Surrender" and a demo of "One by One".<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> The track's music video was directed by Smith N' Borin. In the clip, the band destroy possessions in a room, and ends with an explosion, inspired by an effect in The Natural (1984).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

"Perfect" was released as a single on August 25, 2003.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The CD version included an acoustic version of "Perfect" and a cover of the Turtles' "Happy Together".<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> The song's video was directed by Liz Friedlander, and sees the group playing on the roof of a house in the rain.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On November 25, the video album A Big Package for You: 1999–2003 was released;<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> it contained footage from the recording of the album and various home videos, alongside the music videos for "I'm Just a Kid", "I'd Do Anything", "Addicted" and "Perfect".<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref>

The album was included in a package with Get Your Heart On! (2011) in 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In March and April 2017, the band went on a celebratory 15-year anniversary tour for the album in the US.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> To coincide with this, the album was pressed on vinyl.<ref>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> It was followed by European leg in May and June,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> a second US stint in August and September,<ref name=AltPoral2/> and Australia<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and New Zealand in April 2018.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A 15th anniversary edition of the album was released, featuring several bonus tracks: "One by One", "Grow Up", "Happy Together", "Vacation", live versions of "Addicted" and "Perfect", and an acoustic version of "Perfect".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> "I'm Just a Kid" saw a resurgence in popularity in 2020 due to a challenge on the social media platform TikTok that involves family members re-creating childhood photos.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Touring

Following the album's release, the band promoted it with a supporting slot for Sugar Ray.<ref name=Kludgeinterview/> In June, the band supported Blink-182 and Green Day on their co-headlining North American tour Pop Disaster.<ref name=PNWarped>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In August, the band appeared on a handful of 2002 Warped Tour dates.<ref name=PNWarped/> Throughout the tour, the band were accused of selling out due to their commercial appeal.<ref name=AltPoral2/> Following this, the group toured Australia and New Zealand for two weeks before returning to the US, where they played with Good Charlotte for two weeks.<ref name=Kludgeinterview/> On September 20 and October 8, Simple Plan performed on Total Request Live.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They played in Canada,<ref name=Kludgeinterview/> prior to a US support slot for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones in November and December.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Later in December, the band performed on Total Request Live and Sports Unlimited.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In January and February 2003, the group appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In March 2003, the band toured the US, with Gob and Madcap,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In April and May 2003, the band supported Avril Lavigne on her Try to Shut Me Up! Tour in the US.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> From June to August, the group went on the 2003 Warped Tour.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On August 12, the band appeared on Total Request Live again.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following the release of A Big Package, the group played a handful of radio festivals in December,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and a handful of shows with Jersey, Gob, and Don't Look Down.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In January and February 2004, the band embarked on a co-headlining US tour with MxPx. They were supported by Sugarcult, Motion City Soundtrack and Billy Talent.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Throughout February 2004, Simple Plan appeared on IMX, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Critical response

Template:Music ratings No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls received mixed reviews from music critics. AllMusic reviewer Todd Kristel opened his piece by stating the band didn't have "anything new to say, but at least it sounds like they're having a good time saying it", being "so full of pep and energy".<ref name=AMreview/> The band fails to "break any new ground and doesn't stay revved on all cylinders all the time."<ref name=AMreview/> Pär Winberg of Melodic said he was "so bored" with Blink-182 ripoff acts such as Simple Plan "trying to be funny on the sleeve with a nerd look".<ref name=Melodicreview/> Though the tracks were "so damn good" and the "superb production" from Lanni gave it a "[g]reat sound all over".<ref name=Melodicreview/> The "lack of originality takes down the grading a bit."<ref name=Melodicreview/> Exclaim!Template:'s Stuart Green said the group disseminated a "trite and derivative brand of inoffensive mall punk" in the vein of New Found Glory and Good Charlotte.<ref name=Exclaimreview/> With the aid of Lanni, the tracks were "polished to a glossy finish that will undoubtedly find itself a market."<ref name=Exclaimreview/>

IGN writer JR viewed it as "harmless bubblegum pop-punk for the junior high set", and said multiple listens of it were "considerably less taxing on the psyche" than his initial impression.<ref name=IGNreview2/> He added that its "shelf-life is remarkably poor and it brings absolutely nothing of consequence to the table".<ref name=IGNreview2/> Hannah Guy of Chart Attack said the group "delved into the previously explored-and-pillaged genre of pop-punk", however, they lacked the hooks of their peers.<ref name=CAreview/> It was "pretty lame ó and it'll likely be one of Canadian music's next big exports."<ref name=CAreview/> Rolling StoneTemplate:'s Jon Caramanica wrote that the tracks were "brief, ephemeral, tautly structured, bombastically produced blasts of snotty posing."<ref name=RSreview/> Similar to their peers, the band "insist on balancing their immaturity with excuses for their immaturity".<ref name=RSreview/>

No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls was included on best-of pop-punk album lists by A.Side TV,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> BuzzFeed,<ref name=BuzzFeed>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Houston Press,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Rock Sound<ref>Bird, ed. 2014, p. 69</ref> and Rolling Stone.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Cleveland.com ranked "I’d Do Anything" at number 31 on their list of the top 100 pop-punk songs.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Commercial performance

No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls was a commercial success. The album peaked at number 8 on the Canadian Alternative Albums Chart, and was certified double platinum. It also peaked at number 35 on the United States Billboard 200, and at number 2 on the US catalog albums chart.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In Australia, it reached number 29.

It was certified double platinum in Canada (Music Canada)<ref name=CanPlat/> and the US (Recording Industry Association of America), denoting shipments of two million copies;<ref name=USplat/> platinum in Australia (Australian Recording Industry Association);<ref name=AusPlat/> gold in New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ);<ref name=NZgold/> and silver in the UK (British Phonographic Industry).<ref name=UKsil/> Similarly, "I'm Just a Kid" was certified platinum in the US,<ref>Template:Cite certification</ref> and "Perfect" was certified platinum in Australia.<ref name=ariasingles1>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Track listing

Track listing per booklet. All songs by Simple Plan, except "Happy Together" written by Alan Gordon and Gary Bonner.<ref name="NPNHJBbooklet" />

Template:Track listing15th Anniversary Tour Edition<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Template:Track listing

Personnel

Personnel per booklet.<ref name=NPNHJBbooklet>Template:Cite AV media notes</ref> Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2 Simple Plan

• Pierre BouvierTemplate:Spaced ndashlead vocals
• Chuck ComeauTemplate:Spaced ndashdrums
• David DesrosiersTemplate:Spaced ndashbass, backing vocals
• Sébastien LefebvreTemplate:Spaced ndashguitar, backing vocals
• Jeff StincoTemplate:Spaced ndashguitar

Additional musicians

• Mark HoppusTemplate:Spaced ndashback-up vocals (track 1)
• Joel MaddenTemplate:Spaced ndashback-up vocals (track 3)
• Arnold LanniTemplate:Spaced ndashpiano (track 6)

Template:Col-2 Production

• Arnold LanniTemplate:Spaced ndashproducer, mixing, recording
• Ziad Al-HillalTemplate:Spaced ndashrecording, digital editing
• Angelo CarusoTemplate:Spaced ndashadditional recording, digital editing
• Dom CondoTemplate:Spaced ndashdigital editing
• George MarinoTemplate:Spaced ndashmastering
• Simple PlanTemplate:Spaced ndashconcept, layout
• F. Scott SchaferTemplate:Spaced ndashphotography
• Lynn KowalewskiTemplate:Spaced ndashart direction

Charts

Weekly charts

Template:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chart

Weekly chart performance for No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls

Chart (2002–2005)	Peak position
Canadian Albums (Billboard)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	22
Canadian Alternative Albums (Billboard)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	8
Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	20
UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	179
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	24

Year-end charts

Year-end chart performance for No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls

Chart (2002)	Position
Canadian Albums (Billboard)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	88
Canadian Alternative Albums (Billboard)<ref name = "CANALTYE02">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	25
Chart (2003)	Position
US Billboard 200<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	70
Chart (2004)	Position
US Billboard 200<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	120

References

Citations Template:Reflist

Sources Template:Refbegin

• Template:Cite journal

External links

• No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)