That's a good point John. I think there are tracks that can be vocal-free, but they are the minority. There aren't alot of "Children" or "Traffic" out there.
Of all the 80's remakes DHT has performed the best. I suspect that has everything to do with the fact it has vocals. It's not someone looping a rehashed 80's track, it's someone actually singing a song. And look back, BT - Simply Being Loved had real vocals, so did DJ Sammy - Heaven, and Modjo, and Kylie Minoque...etc. There are examples of just of looped vocals, notably Better Off Alone...really just a trance song with vocals. But that song was one of a kind.
Great dance songs don't always make for great club songs. Problem is, radio & even the artists don't get it. A while back I came across this really solid indie dance track. It was 8 minutes long, so I mailed the producer and asked if he could do a radio edit. I explained to him that people listening on the radio don't want to hear 7 minute songs...and if the person hates the song, they won't tolerate 7 minutes of what they don't like. His reply was "oh well, who cares what radio people think, they aren't my real fans". And that comment made me realize, it's why he's still and indie artist....and likely always will be.
And that attitude is far to common in this genre.
None taken. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

We
> are well aware of what the song is.
>
> As for dance in 2005, we used to say that dance was a
> faceless genre of music where middle america didn't know, or
> care, who these artists were. Now, it's well on it's way to
> becoming a voiceless genre. Tracks are being made with very
> little in the way of vocals, quality lyrics or any kind of
> structure that appeals to anyone outside of the clubs.
>
> Bring back the song. Bring back the voices. And bring back
> pop styled productions and we will all have hits again.
> I've always said, give me a 3 minute dance radio hit and I
> can make mixes for the clubs. But give me a ten minute club
> mix and the chances are I can't cut it to 3 minutes for the
> radio because they probaly left out the vocals.
>
> Just my opinion...
>
> jp
>
> > > Um, DHT's Listen To Your Heart is an 80s cover.
> > >
> > Yes, I'm aware of that. I think DHT is a good pop song,
> I'm
> > happy it's vaulted dance music back on the chart. But I
> > don't think it's a great song per se. And I do think,
> that
> > it's disposable and will be forgotten.
> >
> > My pop sensibilities (assuming I have them) says DHT will
> do
> > very well. The cynical clubhead side of me sees it as
> > another band-aid patch to a scene that's mired in mud.
> It's
> > not the "bomb" of all dance songs, or even up there. And
> > again, my apologies to JP and Robbins. Not trying to rain
>
> > on the parade, just stating my opinions.
> >
>