Of course the Archies were not as good as the Beatles. But the songs I mentioned are now considered bubble gum and you rarely hear them on a juke box or any cover versions. And yes, they progressed into better lyrics, melodies, and advanced arrangements, and earned their place music history.
I have been a musician all my life...from Wes Montegomery to early 50's rock...to the early Girl groups ...to Motown...to the the British invasion and on. I've been lead vocal in bands, played rhythm guitar, and a drummer to this day on my electronic Roland kit. I know the what categorizes a particular sound. Want to debate further?
Give me a well-known singer or group/band and I’ll tell you what type of music. C’mon, let’s have some fun.