Interesting!
I think we should have most "visible" pop composers/singers sign a pledge to write melodically, don't you?
Where did the melody go in commercial songs?, so many toggles between 2 or 3 notes and you get a song nowadays to feed the masses (I don't believe in a "demand" economy, it's all dominated by supply). Here in North America if I want to hear a song with a NICE melody (ie that I am able to remember and sing after the song is over) I tune to the "Spanish" channels: fortunately there still are great ballad writers in Lat. America with a sense of melody. Or some religious/inspirational channel.
Else, I think the Asians (pop songs) are doing a great job too (eg Japan/Korea/Taiwan/Hong Kong): check out the equivalents of "American Idol" there. As for France I am afraid the Chanson Française is not what it used to be (not to mention the lyrics part).... also a lot of meaningless toggles and primitive harmony.
Yes, we need the melody to come back mainstream (and maybe in today's jazz as well.... heard quite a bit of stuff lately that is "held together" by the arranger/orchestrator, the basic tune was pretty poor IMO) so thanks for your efforts Ian to draw attention to the power of the MELODY!
But... I like richer harmonies too. That will be the next step towards..."melody-harmony-felicity".