Freya Skye’s “Bad Taste” has been selected by fans as their favorite new music release of the week in Billboard’s latest reader poll. The playful pop single received more than 82% of the vote in the poll published Friday, Sept. 18, putting Skye ahead of new releases from artists including ROSÉ, Miley, Carly Rae Jepsen and Riley Green.
“Bad Taste” was released Sept. 16 as Skye’s latest single, shortly before she continued her Stars Align Tour in the United States. The song had already become familiar to audiences through an acoustic version Skye performed during her first headlining concert in New York City. Universal Music Canada said the track had become a fan favorite during earlier stops on the tour before the official studio recording was released.
The song centers on Skye acknowledging a pattern of being attracted to complicated romantic situations. Its lyrics play with the idea of having “bad taste” in relationships, giving the track a lighthearted approach to dating mistakes and questionable choices.
Skye previously performed the song acoustically at her New York headlining show in December. She recalled that the performance initially made her feel exposed because the audience had not heard the song before, but the crowd began singing along by the final chorus. That response encouraged her to record and release the full studio version.
The release also marks another stage in Skye’s development as a recording artist. She is known for her acting role in Disney’s Zombies franchise, while her music career has increasingly included live performances and original pop releases. “Bad Taste” follows the music she has released as she prepares for her debut full-length album.
Skye’s Stars Align Tour continued with a sold-out performance in Santa Barbara on Sept. 19. The tour is also scheduled to expand internationally, with dates in Latin America and Asia going on sale in September.
A music video for “Bad Taste” was scheduled to follow the single’s release, with its debut announced for Sept. 17. The song is not currently expected to appear on Skye’s debut full-length album, although the singer has said she hopes the release introduces listeners to the next phase of her music.
In Billboard’s poll, ROSÉ’s “New Trick” followed “Bad Taste” with 14% of the vote. The remaining releases included Miley’s Bass Persuades, Carly Rae Jepsen’s Day and Night and Riley Green’s That’s Just Me, among other new music released during the week.
“Bad Taste” is now continuing its rollout alongside Skye’s international touring plans, following its transition from an acoustic song performed for live audiences into an officially released studio single.
