I can listen to Edith Piaf in French, Ladysmith Black Mambaso in Zulu, opera in a variety of languages and greatly enjoy it all without understanding a word. Beethoven's 9th often has the words to the choral section of the last movement in German and in English. By 21st century standards, these words by Schiller(?) are such drivel that I'd rather just listen and not know they are singing. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Okay, I'm ready for the brickbats.
Foreign language songs/music
Recently I have been listening to a bunch of CDs of Chinese genre which a friend has bought for me from Shanghai, China. They are of audiophile quality and their recording is exceptional using tube gear mostly in their process. I do not understand most of what has been sung as they are in mostly in Mandarin but the arrangement, casting of the singers and songs chosen is truly world class. My question is then is it "normal" to enjoy these type of music & songs without understanding what has been sung? IMO it's akin to me listening to an Italian Opera which I do not understand what has been sung as well. In another way, I treat the singer’s voice as another musical instrument. Does anyone have an opinion or experiences?