Roots reggae, as exemplified in the music of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Horace Andy, is perhaps the best-known reggae style. The widespread popularity of Bob Marley and the Wailers' music has, in fact, lead to "reggae" and "roots reggae" becoming synonymous in many parts of the world. Roots reggae is soulful and melodic, and uses mainly acoustic instruments. Rastafarianism and social issues often are the central themes of this style's lyrics.
In dub reggae, the producer, rather than the musician, is the star. Dub producers like King Tubby and Lee "Scratch" Perry stripped reggae tracks down to their barest elements, then used audio effects like reverb and echo to create entirely new versions of the tracks. Unlike other reggae styles, a dub reggae track contains only brief snippets of vocals -- if any at all. Dub reggae usually focuses on the drums and bass, rather than the melody.
Ragga and dancehall are fast-paced, modern reggae styles that typically use electronic instruments and drum machines. "Toasting," which is similar to rapping, is the dominant vocal style in this subgenre of reggae. These styles of reggae started developing in the mid-1980s, and remain two of the most popular styles in the 21st century. Ragga and dancehall have both influenced and drawn influence from hip-hop and jungle.
The lovers rock style of reggae, which originated in 1970s Great Britain, combines a reggae beat with American-style soul vocals. Like roots reggae, this style is smooth and melodic; unlike roots reggae, however, lovers rock lyrics usually focus on romance rather than politics or spirituality. Still, there is a degree of crossover between roots reggae and lovers rock: prominent roots artists like Gregory Isaacs and Horace Andy have released lovers rock albums.