/randomthought
I've noticed with myself that I tend to stay away from songs, modern or not. Some are very nice, and I enjoy a few every now and then, but the lyrics of a song are ultimately linear, and can only tell the story the lyrics provide. Sure, they can be open to interpretation, but that is a whole different matter.
I love music, it's so beautiful. In the realm of music, your imagination carries you, and you go on a journey experiencing each note, and where it takes you is different between each person. It's not only what you hear that determines where you go, but your mood, experiences, preferences and tastes, and a dozen of other unique traits we all have that will take us each on a different path with the same piece of music.
To me, music is so much more powerful, inspiring, and emotional. I believe the human voice can enhance music, but to me, we takes the focus away for our own personal gain. The focus is brought to the singer, instead of the dozens of people behind them who are working together to create something that's beautiful, and are almost never recognized for their performance.
Sometimes I wish we had more radio stations that were just about music, and not someone singing to try to get their spotlight. It's so easy to lose your way if you're singing and become noticed, but a team of people playing together to create a piece of music is inspiring. If one person is off it ruins the synergy, but working together, supporting eachother, complimenting each note with another, is so powerful.
Don't get me wrong, there are some very selfless artists out there who write their own music and sing, and I do find a few songs that I enjoy. However, to me, it's still being told to you, and not letting you experience where the music is taking you.
I understand what you are saying, in regard to the music industry focusing (primarily for pop stars) on songs and melodies as a vehicle to launch or further careers--or alternatively that lyrics (in the literal sense) can possibly detract from a melody or arrangement--but in and of itself, the singer is simply another 'voice' in an arrangement.
Producers, along with artists, determine what the arrangements are for various songs--whether they include symphonic backing, a simple duet accompaniment (with acoustic guitar or jazz piano, for instance), or electronic insturmentation and effects, or just other back-up vocalists. It is that determination, to me, that gives the "soul" to a song especially when you read the lyrics of a song independently from the music. I really enjoy trying to hear each 'voice' (instrument/player) in a piece, whether a bass-line or a piano riff, to see why the artist/producer decided that would be included...that's also why I like to listen to many covers of songs I like, in order to hear how others interpret the same melody/piece.
So TLDR, I don't think it is necessarily the human voice that detracts from a melody or arrangement insofar as producers determine how important that voice is when the piece is made. If the literal meaning of lyrics gives you a hang-up, try ignoring them perhaps LOL...or listen to music in a language you don't understand or aren't used to hearing (or even syncopated jazzy scat!) so the meaning doesn't distract you. ^_-