Waves (Kanye West song)

"Waves" is a song by American rapper and producer Kanye West from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). The song features vocals from American singer Chris Brown and additional vocals from Kid Cudi.

Initially titled "Waves" and intended as the album's name, the track underwent several revisions during the album's tumultuous pre-release period. West initially intended for "Waves" to be a gospel album, but the final product incorporates elements of soul, pop, and hip hop. The song's production is characterized by its layered synths, Auto-Tune vocals, and a prominent gospel choir sample.

The song's creation and release were surrounded by controversy, primarily due to a dispute with rapper Wiz Khalifa, who questioned the use of "Waves" as the album title. West defended his choice, arguing that the song represented a return to his creative freedom and a new wave of music.

"Waves" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and the performances of West and Brown. Some critics, however, found the song to be somewhat disjointed compared to other tracks on The Life of Pablo. Despite the mixed critical reception of the album as a whole, "Waves" remains a popular track from The Life of Pablo and is frequently performed live by West. The song charted in several countries following the album's release.