One more point, since Russ mentioned the Beach Boys:Every generation has had an act of tremendous success with marginal talent - how about there:
1950s - Fabian - couldn'd sing a note ... he was pretty
1960s - Monkees - an act created for TV
1970s - Village People - Fluff all the way
1980s - Milli Vanilli - the inspiration for Ashley Simpson
1990s - Madonna - all sex and minimal music, but catchy beats
2000s - Lady Gaga - Madonna revisited

All major chart toppers - none that I consider with more than a modest amount of creative talent. But in the end - if there is a market for it - someone will find a way to sell it.

I guess, for me - it's always been a question of balance. I pick popular songs that I like and obscure tunes that I think my crowd will grow to like - it all creates a mix that defines "my sound". We all need to do the same if we intend to make a career out of this. Remember - if you're an artist who needs to hone his chops, and money is not an issue .... disregard this post. I'm talking to the working stiffs, like me, who make a living making others happy.