While I've an Mac OS X 10.9.5 and 10.11.6, both can have their iTunes player
reduced to simply Internet Radio (no Apple Music, or subscription) or import
music from a optical drive source (external or where available, internal.)
Not sure where you see major crowding of empty or listless windows. Due to
the cost of bandwidth here, I seldom play internet Radio (free in player.)
Changes in the new iTunes - Apple Support
I still listen to FM radio, or where cable/satellite channels have music only;
without commercials nor video. That, wired to powered speakers direct from
the cable box audio output, saves the video hardware needlessly turned on.
Away from the city, I often have no urban noise at all; and need no iOS device.
My older PPC G4 Macs running 10.4.11 and 10.5.8, both have iTunes players
(available still at Apple Support.) Both can utilze hundreds of free internet radio
channels of all kinds of music and some stations have spoken content too.
In any event...
Good luck & happy trails! 🙂