Bubblegum is a genre of pop music that originated in the mid to late 1960s, characterized by its upbeat, simplistic melodies and light, catchy lyrics. It was primarily targeted towards preteen audiences, with a focus on commercial, rather than artistic, value. Notable bands associated with the genre include The Archies and The 1910 Fruitgum Company. The genre had a significant influence on the development of pop music, despite its often being dismissed for its lack of depth and complexity.