I suppose it depends on the reggae/soul artist.

But My point was in response to the matter of the "soulless" metronome.

If you check out just about every half decent soul tune from northern soul, stax and motown through to the cheesy 80's ans 90's variety's you'll find that they have one thing in common ... you could set your watch by them.

Same is true of Trad - check out the vocals on Fionnghuala by the Bothy band or any of the fast stuff that Paddy Keenan plays on his pipes - likewise the comping from donal lunny or in planxty the guitaring and bodhran playing of christy moore - not to mention the singing.

each beat is accurate to within the tiniest of margins - this isn't just the result of talent, but also of hard work.