Balls

"Balls" is the 18th album by the American rock band Sparks, released in 2000. The album continued the techno-pop style that Sparks had first explored on their 1994 album "Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins," but with a heavier emphasis on uptempo beats and a more aggressive approach inspired by acts like The Prodigy.

One distinctive feature of "Balls" was its packaging, which included a translucent jewel case available in various colors such as red, yellow, green, blue, orange, black, and turquoise, along with a reflective die-cut silver slipcase.

The track "It's a Knockoff" was recorded for the movie "Knock Off," starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and directed by Tsui Hark. It was featured over the closing credits of the film.

Critically, "Balls" received moderate praise, but it did not perform well in terms of chart success. It failed to chart in major markets like Germany, the UK, and the US. Despite efforts to promote the album with singles like "More Than a Sex Machine," "The Calm Before the Storm," and "The Angels," none of these tracks gained significant sales or radio play.

The lukewarm reception to "Balls" led Sparks to reconsider their musical direction. Although they had already written a follow-up album in a similar vein, the disappointing performance of "Balls" convinced them to change course. This shift in direction resulted in their next album, "Lil' Beethoven," released in 2002, which marked a departure into a new and experimental musical style.

Thus, while "Balls" demonstrated Sparks' continued exploration of electronic and techno influences, its commercial reception ultimately prompted a significant evolution in their sound and approach to future albums.