At its core bubblegum is nonthreatening, lightweight, commercially driven pop. Largely associated with the '60s, the music characteristically targeted a preteen audience that wasn't quite ready to decipher the sophisticated musings of the songs their older siblings held dear. Lacking much substance musically or lyrically, bubblegum generally included repetitive riffs, simplistic three-chord structures, and incredibly catchy melodies. With few exceptions most bubblegum bands had a hit or two before fading into obscurity. Still, the catchy simplicity has gone on to influence bands as unlikely as the Ramones--who described themselves as a "nouveau bubblegum band with teeth"--as well as more archetypal acts such as Britney Spears.

Notable artists: The Osmonds, the Partridge Family, the Archies, Rick Springfield