No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls
{{Infobox album
| name = No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls
| type = studio
| artist = Simple Plan
| cover = Nopads.jpg
| alt = The band members partying in a hotel room with several women
| released = March 19, 2002
| recorded =
| studio = {{hlist|Arnyard|Select Sound|Studio West}}
| genre = Pop-punk
| length = 43:13
| label = *Lava
| producer = Arnold Lanni
| next_title = Still Not Getting Any...
| next_year = 2004
| misc = {{Singles
| name = No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls
| type = studio
| single1 = I'm Just a Kid
| single1date = February 4, 2002
| single2 = I'd Do Anything
| single2date = September 16, 2002
| single3 = Addicted
| single3date = February 24, 2003
| single4 = Perfect
| single4date = August 25, 2003
}}
}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/simple-plan-mn0000049062/biography|title=Simple Plan {{!}} Biography & History|publisher=AllMusic|author=Wilson, MacKenzie|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517055610/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/simple-plan-mn0000049062/biography|url-status=live}} They released their debut album No Worries in 1997;{{cite web|url=http://www.greenland.ca/reset_bio.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981202173515/http://www.greenland.ca/reset_bio.html|title=Reset|publisher=Greenland|archive-date=December 2, 1998|access-date=August 22, 2020}} unhappy with the musical direction, Comeau left to attend college. Reset released their follow-up, No Limits in 1999.{{cite AV media notes|title=No Limits|others=Reset|year=1999|type=sleeve|publisher=2112 Records|id=TOT-15-2}} 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. For some time, Bouvier switched between the new group and Reset, before ultimately leaving the latter.
Bassist David Desrosiers briefly filled Bouvier's position in Reset, which impressed Bouvier and Comeau. Desrosiers was interested in joining another band. 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. 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. 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/simple_plan_oral_history_no_pads_no_helmets_just_balls/|title=Simple Plan tell the real story behind 'No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls'|work=Alternative Press|author=AltPress|date=May 18, 2017|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031135235/https://www.altpress.com/features/simple_plan_oral_history_no_pads_no_helmets_just_balls/|url-status=live}}
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, eventually concluding in February 2002.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2786/simple-plan-launches-invasion|title=Simple Plan launches Invasion|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=February 13, 2002|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075756/https://www.punknews.org/article/2786/simple-plan-launches-invasion|url-status=live}} 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." Lanni wanted Bouvier to sound more whiny, which Lanni felt would help the band sound more unique; Bouvier later regretted this. Caruso, Al-Hillal and Dom Condo did digital editing, before the tracks were mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound in New York City.
Composition
Musically, No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls has been described as pop-punk, drawing comparisons to Blink-182, Good Charlotte and New Found Glory. The album's predominant theme revolves around being an outcast.{{cite web|url=http://ekmag.com:80/interviews.php?id=115|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040131152955/http://ekmag.com/interviews.php?id=115|title=Interview: Simple Plan|work=Kludge|author=Perez, Arturo|archive-date=January 31, 2004|access-date=August 22, 2020|url-status=dead}} The material was written in Comeau's basement; Bouvier said they wanted every track to have "[l]ots of power, energy and catchiness."{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com/news/2002/06/07/simple-plan-invite-you-to-do-anything/|title=Simple Plan: Pressing The Reset Button|work=Chart Attack|author=Carman, Keith|date=May 1, 2002|access-date=August 22, 2020|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219093825/http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2002/05/0112.cfm|archive-date=February 19, 2006}}
The opening track "I'd Do Anything" was one of the first songs written for inclusion on the album, and includes Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 doing back-up vocals. 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458187/simple-plan-the-little-devil-on-mark-hoppus-shoulder/|title=Simple Plan — The Little Devil On Mark Hoppus' Shoulder|publisher=MTV|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|date=October 17, 2002|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075756/http://www.mtv.com/news/1458187/simple-plan-the-little-devil-on-mark-hoppus-shoulder/|url-status=dead}} It is followed by "The Worst Day Ever", which sees Bouvier talk about the worst day he's experienced. Joel Madden of Good Charlotte provided back-up vocals for "You Don't Mean Anything". 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".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1452319/alienation-lands-simple-plan-on-movie-soundtrack-warped-tour/|title=Alienation Lands Simple Plan On Movie Soundtrack, Warped Tour|publisher=MTV|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|date=February 14, 2002|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702162547/http://www.mtv.com/news/1452319/alienation-lands-simple-plan-on-movie-soundtrack-warped-tour/|url-status=dead}} Lanni contributed piano to "Meet You There". With "My Alien", the narrator divulges his relationship with an extraterrestrial.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/28/no-pads-no-helmetsjust-balls?page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822001143/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/28/no-pads-no-helmetsjust-balls?page=2|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls (page 2)|publisher=IGN|author=JR|date=September 28, 2004|archive-date=August 22, 2013|access-date=August 22, 2020}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.teenpeople.com:80/teenpeople/stars/tuned/0,8104,365054,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021215181415/http://www.teenpeople.com/teenpeople/stars/tuned/0,8104,365054,00.html|title=Tuned In Simple Plan|work=Teen People|author=Shultz, Cara Lynn|archive-date=December 15, 2002|access-date=August 22, 2020|url-status=dead}}
Release
Partway through the recording sessions, they signed to major label Atlantic Records in October 2001.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2056/simple-plan-sign-with-atlantic|title=Simple Plan sign with Atlantic|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=October 3, 2001|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075756/https://www.punknews.org/article/2056/simple-plan-sign-with-atlantic|url-status=live}} "I'm Just a Kid" was released as a single on February 4, 2002.{{cite magazine|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1438|page=32|date=February 1, 2002}} The CD version included "One by One" and "Grow Up" as extra tracks.{{cite AV media notes|title=I'm Just a Kid|others=Simple Plan|year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava/Atlantic Records|id=7567-85260-2}} The band wanted "Addicted" as the first single, however, due to a film opportunity, "I'm Just a Kid" was chosen instead;{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/simple_plan_oral_history_no_pads_no_helmets_just_balls/2/|title=Simple Plan tell the real story behind 'No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls' (page 2)|work=Alternative Press|author=AltPress|date=May 18, 2017|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075810/https://www.altpress.com/features/simple_plan_oral_history_no_pads_no_helmets_just_balls/2/|url-status=live}} it ultimately appeared on the soundtrack for The New Guy.{{cite AV media notes|title=I'm Just a Kid|others=Simple Plan|year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava/Atlantic Records|id=PRCD 300754}} 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.
No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls was released on March 19 through Lava and Atlantic Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/no-pads-no-helmetsjust-balls-japan-bonus-track-mr0001424373|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls [Japan Bonus Track] - Simple Plan {{!}} Release Credits|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075814/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/no-pads-no-helmetsjust-balls-japan-bonus-track-mr0001424373|url-status=live}} Various countries and territories had different bonus tracks: Australia and Japan ("One by One" and "Grow Up"),{{cite AV media notes|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|others=Simple Plan|year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava/Atlantic Records|id=7567931262}}{{cite AV media notes|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|others=Simple Plan|year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava/Atlantic Records|id=AMCY-10026}} the US ("Grow Up" and "My Christmas List"),{{cite AV media notes|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|others=Simple Plan|year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava Records|id=83617-2}} and Europe ("Grow Up" and a live cover of "American Jesus" by Bad Religion).{{cite AV media notes|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|others=Simple Plan|year=2003|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava Records|id=7567 93200-2}} On June 8, a music video was filmed for "I'd Do Anything" in Toronto, Canada,{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com/news/2002/06/07/simple-plan-invite-you-to-do-anything/|title=Simple Plan Invite You To Do Anything|work=Chart Attack|date=March 19, 2002|access-date=August 22, 2020|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228202103/http://www.chartattack.com/news/2002/06/07/simple-plan-invite-you-to-do-anything/|archive-date=February 28, 2018}} and additional filming being done in Cleveland, Ohio with Hoppus. "I'd Do Anything" was released as a single on September 16.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue655.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 16th September 2002|publisher=ARIA|page=27|date=September 16, 2002|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20021001140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20021002-0000/Issue655.pdf|archive-date=October 1, 2002|access-date=March 3, 2022}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The CD version included "Vacation", a live version of "The Worst Day Ever", and video for "I'd Do Anything".{{cite AV media notes|title=I'd Do Anything|others=Simple Plan|year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava Records|id=AT0149CD}}
The Japanese-exclusive live album Live in Japan 2002 was released on January 21, 2003.{{cite AV media notes|title=Live in Japan 2002|others=Simple Plan|year=2003|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava Records|id=WPCR-11437}} "Addicted" was released as a single on February 24.{{cite magazine|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1492|page=30|date=February 21, 2003}} The CD version included a cover of Cheap Trick song "Surrender" and the video for "Addicted",{{cite AV media notes|title=Addicted|others=Simple Plan|year=2003|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava Records|id=AT0158CD1}} while the 7" vinyl version included "Surrender" and a demo of "One by One".{{cite AV media notes|title=Addicted|others=Simple Plan|year=2003|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava Records|id=7567-88139-7}} 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).{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1476942/sizing-up-the-money-shots-of-50-cent-sean-paul-and-others/|title=Sizing Up The Money Shots Of 50 Cent, Sean Paul And Others|publisher=MTV|author=Moss, Corey|date=August 18, 2003|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=June 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614143426/http://www.mtv.com/news/1476942/sizing-up-the-money-shots-of-50-cent-sean-paul-and-others/|url-status=dead}}
"Perfect" was released as a single on August 25, 2003.{{cite magazine|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1518|page=28|date=August 25, 2003}} The CD version included an acoustic version of "Perfect" and a cover of the Turtles' "Happy Together".{{cite AV media notes|title=Perfect|others=Simple Plan|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava Records|id=AT0175CD}} The song's video was directed by Liz Friedlander, and sees the group playing on the roof of a house in the rain.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1476720/simple-plan-rock-the-roof-under-their-feet-in-perfect/|title=Simple Plan Rock The Roof Under Their Feet In 'Perfect'|publisher=MTV|author=Moss, Corey|date=August 12, 2003|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075835/http://www.mtv.com/news/1476720/simple-plan-rock-the-roof-under-their-feet-in-perfect/|url-status=dead}} On November 25, the video album A Big Package for You: 1999–2003 was released;{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/a-big-package-for-you-1999-2003-mr0001943794|title=A Big Package for You: 1999-2003 - Simple Plan {{!}} Release Credits|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075830/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/a-big-package-for-you-1999-2003-mr0001943794|url-status=live}} 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".{{cite AV media notes|title=A Big Package for You: 1999–2003|others=Simple Plan|year=2003|type=sleeve|publisher=Warner Music Vision|id=8536-53139-2}}
The album was included in a package with Get Your Heart On! (2011) in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/get-your-heart-on-no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-mr0004174438|title=Get Your Heart On/No Pads No Helmets Just Balls - Simple Plan {{!}} Release Credits|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075838/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/get-your-heart-on-no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-mr0004174438|url-status=live}} In March and April 2017, the band went on a celebratory 15-year anniversary tour for the album in the US.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/simple_plan_announce_15_year_anniversary_no_pads_no_helmets-just_balls_to/|title=Simple Plan announce 15-year anniversary 'No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls' tour|work=Alternative Press|author=Ralph, Caitlyn|date=January 10, 2017|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108141713/https://www.altpress.com/news/simple_plan_announce_15_year_anniversary_no_pads_no_helmets-just_balls_to/|url-status=live}} To coincide with this, the album was pressed on vinyl.{{cite AV media notes|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|others=Simple Plan|year=2017|type=sleeve|publisher=Atlantic Records|id=560075-1}} It was followed by European leg in May and June,{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/simple-plan-announce-no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-anniversary-tour/|title=Simple Plan Announce No Pads, No Helmets... Just Balls Anniversary Tour|work=Kerrang!|date=February 10, 2017|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075851/https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/simple-plan-announce-no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-anniversary-tour/|url-status=live}} a second US stint in August and September, and Australia{{cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/news/simple-plan-announce-no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-15th-anniversary-aussie-tour/EqIFBAcGCQg/11-01-18/|title=Simple Plan Announce 'No Pads, No Helmets... Just Balls' 15th Anniversary Aus Tour|work=The Music|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075848/https://themusic.com.au/news/simple-plan-announce-no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-15th-anniversary-aussie-tour/EqIFBAcGCQg/11-01-18/|url-status=live}} and New Zealand in April 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1801/S00049/simple-plan-bring-15th-anniversary-world-tour-to-nz-in-april.htm|title=Simple Plan bring 15th anniversary world tour to NZ in april|work=Scoop|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075854/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1801/S00049/simple-plan-bring-15th-anniversary-world-tour-to-nz-in-april.htm|url-status=live}} 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".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-15th-anniversary-tour-edition/1355149359|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200823105328/https://music.apple.com/us/album/no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-15th-anniversary-tour-edition/1355149359|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls (15th Anniversary Tour Edition) by Simple Plan|publisher=Apple Music|archive-date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020|url-status=live}} "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.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5821238/im-just-a-kid-challenge-explained/|title=Families Travel Back in Time With Childhood Photos for the 'I'm Just a Kid' Challenge|magazine=Time|last=Locker|first=Melissa|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=April 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416232941/https://time.com/5821238/im-just-a-kid-challenge-explained/|url-status=live}}
Touring
Following the album's release, the band promoted it with a supporting slot for Sugar Ray. In June, the band supported Blink-182 and Green Day on their co-headlining North American tour Pop Disaster.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/3298/simple-plan-added-to-pop-disaster-warped|title=Simple Plan added to Pop Disaster, Warped|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=April 16, 2002|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075854/https://www.punknews.org/article/3298/simple-plan-added-to-pop-disaster-warped|url-status=live}} In August, the band appeared on a handful of 2002 Warped Tour dates. Throughout the tour, the band were accused of selling out due to their commercial appeal. 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. On September 20 and October 8, Simple Plan performed on Total Request Live.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4254/bands-on-tv-week-of-9-16-02|title=Bands on TV - week of 9/16/02|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=September 16, 2002|accessdate=February 28, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4410/bands-on-tv-week-of-10-7-02|title=Bands on TV - week of 10/7/02|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=October 7, 2002|accessdate=February 28, 2021}} They played in Canada, prior to a US support slot for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones in November and December.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4226/tours-mm-bosstones-bigwig-hit-the-road-in-november|title=M.M Bosstones, Bigwig hit the road in November|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=September 12, 2002|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075852/https://www.punknews.org/article/4226/tours-mm-bosstones-bigwig-hit-the-road-in-november|url-status=live}} Later in December, the band performed on Total Request Live and Sports Unlimited.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4785/bands-on-tv-week-of-12-2-02|title=Bands on TV - week of 12/2/02|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=December 2, 2002|accessdate=March 3, 2021}}
In January and February 2003, the group appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5181/bands-on-tv-week-of-1-27-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 1/27/03|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=January 27, 2003|accessdate=March 4, 2021}} and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5229/bands-on-tv-week-of-2-3-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 2/3/03|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=February 3, 2003|accessdate=March 4, 2021}} In March 2003, the band toured the US, with Gob and Madcap,{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5468/madcap-lineup-change-tour-dates|title=Madcap Lineup Change, Tour Dates|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=March 5, 2003|accessdate=March 4, 2021}} and performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5514/bands-on-tv-week-of-3-10-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 3/10/03|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=March 10, 2003|accessdate=March 4, 2021}} In April and May 2003, the band supported Avril Lavigne on her Try to Shut Me Up! Tour in the US.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1459744/for-the-record-quick-news-on-pink-avril-lavigne-simple-plan-pete-yorn-grandmaster-flash-third-eye-blind-more/|title=For The Record: Quick News On Pink, Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan, Pete Yorn, Grandmaster Flash, Third Eye Blind & More|publisher=MTV|author=MTV News Staff|date=January 29, 2003|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075903/http://www.mtv.com/news/1459744/for-the-record-quick-news-on-pink-avril-lavigne-simple-plan-pete-yorn-grandmaster-flash-third-eye-blind-more/|url-status=dead}} From June to August, the group went on the 2003 Warped Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1459529/used-simple-plan-rancid-distillers-on-warped-tour-03/|title=Used, Simple Plan, Rancid, Distillers On Warped Tour '03|publisher=MTV|author=Staff|date=January 14, 2003|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302210534/http://www.mtv.com/news/1459529/used-simple-plan-rancid-distillers-on-warped-tour-03/|archive-date=2016-03-02|url-status=dead}} On August 12, the band appeared on Total Request Live again.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6799/bands-on-tv-week-of-8-11-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 8/11/03|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=August 11, 2003|accessdate=March 10, 2021}} Following the release of A Big Package, the group played a handful of radio festivals in December,{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1479753/simple-plan-compile-their-stupidities-in-one-big-package/|title=Simple Plan Compile Their Stupidities In One 'Big Package'|publisher=MTV|author=D'Angelo, Joe|date=October 14, 2003|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824075910/http://www.mtv.com/news/1479753/simple-plan-compile-their-stupidities-in-one-big-package/|url-status=dead}} and a handful of shows with Jersey, Gob, and Don't Look Down.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/7741/tours-jersey-and-alexisonfire-touring-minus-one-guitar|title=Jersey & Alexisonfire touring, minus one guitar|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=November 30, 2003|accessdate=March 14, 2021}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://66.227.101.159/news.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031209141514/http://66.227.101.159/news.php|title=Sugarcult News|publisher=Sugarcult|archive-date=December 9, 2003|access-date=April 4, 2020}} Throughout February 2004, Simple Plan appeared on IMX, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8248/bands-on-tv-week-of-2-2-04|title=Bands on TV - week of 2/2/04|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=February 2, 2004|accessdate=March 22, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8463/bands-on-tv-week-of-2-23-04|title=Bands on TV - week of 2/23/04|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=February 23, 2004|accessdate=March 23, 2021}}
Critical response
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev2 = Chart Attack
| rev3 = Exclaim!
| rev4 = IGN
| rev5 = Melodic
| rev6 = Rolling Stone
}}
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". The band fails to "break any new ground and doesn't stay revved on all cylinders all the time." 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". Though the tracks were "so damn good" and the "superb
production" from Lanni gave it a "[g]reat sound all over". The "lack of originality takes down the grading a bit." Exclaim!{{'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. With the aid of Lanni, the tracks were "polished to a glossy finish that will undoubtedly find itself a market."
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. He added that its "shelf-life is remarkably poor and it brings absolutely nothing of consequence to the table". 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. It was "pretty lame ó and it'll likely be one of Canadian music's next big exports." Rolling Stone{{'s}} Jon Caramanica wrote that the tracks were "brief, ephemeral, tautly structured, bombastically produced blasts of snotty posing." Similar to their peers, the band "insist on balancing their immaturity with excuses for their immaturity".
No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls was included on best-of pop-punk album lists by A.Side TV,{{cite web|url=https://ontheaside.com/music/the-13-best-albums-from-the-emopop-punk-boom/|title=The 13 best albums from the emo/pop-punk boom|publisher=A.Side TV|author=Rousseau, Rob|date=February 23, 2016|access-date=August 2, 2020|archive-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222201340/http://ontheaside.com/music/the-13-best-albums-from-the-emopop-punk-boom/|url-status=live}} BuzzFeed,{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/mariasherm/36-pop-punk-albums-you-need-to-hear-before-you-f-ing-die|title=36 Pop Punk Albums You Need To Hear Before You F----ing Die|author1=Sherman, Maria|author2=Broderick, Ryan|work=BuzzFeed|date=July 2, 2013|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117141758/http://www.buzzfeed.com/mariasherm/36-pop-punk-albums-you-need-to-hear-before-you-f-ing-die|archive-date=2016-01-17|url-status=live}} Houston Press,{{cite web|url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/full-collapse-the-best-pop-punk-and-emo-albums-of-2002-6779516|title=Full Collapse: The Best Pop-Punk & Emo Albums Of 2002|work=Houston Press|author=Hlavaty, Craig|date=July 1, 2011|access-date=September 5, 2020}} Rock SoundBird, ed. 2014, p. 69 and Rolling Stone.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-greatest-pop-punk-albums-122677/simple-plan-no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-2002-124586/|title=50 Greatest Pop-Punk Albums|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Spanos, Brittany |date=November 15, 2017|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704212937/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-greatest-pop-punk-albums-122677/simple-plan-no-pads-no-helmets-just-balls-2002-124586/|url-status=live}} Cleveland.com ranked "I’d Do Anything" at number 31 on their list of the top 100 pop-punk songs.{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/03/the-100-greatest-pop-punk-songs-of-all-time.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303183529/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/03/the-100-greatest-pop-punk-songs-of-all-time.html|title=The 100 greatest pop punk songs of all time|publisher=Cleveland.com|author=Smith, Troy L.|date=March 2, 2022|archivedate=March 3, 2022|accessdate=March 3, 2022}}
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.{{cite magazine | title = Simple Plan Album & Song Chart History | magazine = Billboard| url = {{BillboardURLbyName|artist=simple plan|chart=Billboard 200}} }} In Australia, it reached number 29.
It was certified double platinum in Canada (Music Canada) and the US (Recording Industry Association of America), denoting shipments of two million copies; platinum in Australia (Australian Recording Industry Association); gold in New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ); and silver in the UK (British Phonographic Industry). Similarly, "I'm Just a Kid" was certified platinum in the US,{{cite certification|region=United States|artist=Simple Plan|accessdate=May 26, 2020}} and "Perfect" was certified platinum in Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2004.htm|title=ARIA Charts > Accreditations > 2004 Singles|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|access-date=April 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205165250/http://aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2004.htm|archive-date=December 5, 2010|url-status=live}}
Track listing
Track listing per booklet. All songs by Simple Plan, except "Happy Together" written by Alan Gordon and Gary Bonner.
{{track listing
| title1 = I'd Do Anything
| length1 = 3:17
| title2 = The Worst Day Ever
| length2 = 3:27
| title3 = You Don't Mean Anything
| length3 = 2:28
| title4 = I'm Just a Kid
| length4 = 3:18
| title5 = When I'm with You
| length5 = 2:37
| title6 = Meet You There
| length6 = 4:14
| title7 = Addicted
| length7 = 3:52
| title8 = My Alien
| length8 = 3:08
| title9 = God Must Hate Me
| length9 = 2:44
| title10 = I Won't Be There
| length10 = 3:09
| title11 = One Day
| length11 = 3:15
| title12 = Perfect
| length12 = 4:37
| title13 = My Christmas List (Hidden Track)
| length13 = 3:27
| total_length = 43:13
{{Track listing
| title13 = One by One
| length13 = 3:23
| title14 = Grow Up
| length14 = 2:33
| title15 = Happy Together
| length15 = 2:35
| title16 = Addicted (Live from California 2017)
| length16 = 4:20
| title17 = Vacation
| length17 = 2:31
| title18 = Perfect (Live from California 2017)
| length18 = 5:03
| title19 = Perfect (Acoustic Version)
| length19 = 4:07
| total_length = 63:58
}}
Personnel
Personnel per booklet.{{cite AV media notes|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|others=Simple Plan|year=2002|type=booklet|publisher=Lava/Atlantic Records|id=CD93119}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
Simple Plan
- Pierre Bouvier{{spaced ndash}}lead vocals
- Chuck Comeau{{spaced ndash}}drums
- David Desrosiers{{spaced ndash}}bass, backing vocals
- Sébastien Lefebvre{{spaced ndash}}guitar, backing vocals
- Jeff Stinco{{spaced ndash}}guitar
Additional musicians
- Mark Hoppus{{spaced ndash}}back-up vocals (track 1)
- Joel Madden{{spaced ndash}}back-up vocals (track 3)
- Arnold Lanni{{spaced ndash}}piano (track 6)
{{col-2}}
Production
- Arnold Lanni{{spaced ndash}}producer, mixing, recording
- Ziad Al-Hillal{{spaced ndash}}recording, digital editing
- Angelo Caruso{{spaced ndash}}additional recording, digital editing
- Dom Condo{{spaced ndash}}digital editing
- George Marino{{spaced ndash}}mastering
- Simple Plan{{spaced ndash}}concept, layout
- F. Scott Schafer{{spaced ndash}}photography
- Lynn Kowalewski{{spaced ndash}}art direction
{{col-end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
= Weekly charts =
{{col-2}}
= Year-end charts =
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top
|caption=Certifications for No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=album|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|artist=Simple Plan|award=Platinum|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|refname=AusPlat}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|artist=Simple Plan|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|refname=CanPlat}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=album|title=Simple Plan|artist=Simple Plan|award=Gold|relyear=2002|certyear=2003|certmonth=3}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=album|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|artist=Simple Plan|award=Gold|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|id=2004-04-16|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|refname=NZgold}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|title=No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls|artist=Simple Plan|award=Silver|certyear=2017|relyear=2003|id=14406-4442-2|refname=UKsil}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|title=No Pads, No Helmets|artist=Simple Plan|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|refname=USplat}}
{{Certification Table Bottom | streaming=true | nosales=true}}
References
Citations
{{reflist}}
Sources
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite journal|editor1-last=Bird|editor1-first=Ryan|title=The 51 Most Essential Pop Punk Albums of All Time|journal=Rock Sound|date=September 2014|issue=191|publisher=Freeway Press Inc.|location=London|issn=1465-0185}}
{{refend}}
External links
- [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFi8Rt2P-6PKYnAgB9xITXUJYPIrDADH7 No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)
{{Simple Plan}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Albums produced by Arnold Lanni