Drama of the Week - Substitute Princess

» Substitute Princess | 金大花的華麗冒險 «

I have a serious crush on Taiwanese dramas, I feel like they are just how dramas are supposed to be! This one (so far) is no different. Reading the summary I thought it was going to be heavy on the comedy--though there is comedy--this is more on the drama side.
This is the first Taiwanese I've watched that is currently airing... and it is pure torture! There will be 20 episodes and only one is released every week. I've been spoiled with Korean dramas airing two times a week.
This is one of the first dramas I've watched where I'm really not sure which guy she'll end up with. In about 99.9% of the dramas it's with a chance encounter or the 1st guy you see her with... it turns out both guys fit those categories.
This is much more than an "ugly duckling" style drama. Episode 8 is up and I cannot wait to watch it!

If you've never watched a Taiwanese drama, I recommend Devil Beside You or Fated to Love You be your first ones then quickly head to Dramafever to watch this one!

Summary of the Drama:

Jin Da Hua (Nikkie Hsieh) is sweet, but misunderstood: she’s constantly being made fun of for her buck teeth, pigtails and poor fashion taste. On top of that, she’s got a debilitating crush on the handsome, good hearted Lin Guan Jun (James Wen), but does he even know she exists? Before she can find the genuine answer, Jin Da falls into a bizarre plot of plastic surgery and wakes up looking like the glamorous heiress Du Liang Yen. From rags to riches — and from dork to princess — Jin Da ends up in a tale of romance and soul searching.

If you'd like to watch too, and be totally hooked, check out these sites with English subtitles: Dramafever | Hulu

I am always looking for drama recommendations, but if you have any Taiwanese ones you loved then please let me know!!

MUSIC REVIEW: "Just the Way I Am" by Genie Zhuo

Genie Zhuo - "Just the Way I Am" [album]
Rating:
Genre: C-Pop/Dance
Language: Mandarin
Country: Taiwan
Purchase: iTunes

Tracklisting:
1. "反派"
2. "不要不要"
3. "髒兮兮"
4. "想飛的自由落體"
5. "夠了"
6. "針"
7. "哇哇叫"
8. "得分"
9. "恐慌症"
10. "話說夏娃"
11. "反正"

My Thoughts:
Don't worry, I can't read any of those song titles either. My ability to read Asian languages begins and ends with Korean. Throw in Chinese, Japanese or any others and I'm a lost puppy!
I first learned about Genie Zhuo through the Taiwanese drama, Office Girls. Her song "Bu Yao Bu Yao" {不要不要} is used as the main theme song, and after watching numerous episodes the song became stuck in my head, at least the only parts I remember. So I finally went and looked for the song and the music video itself was just as addicting. After searching through the YouTube of her record label I found the music video for her song "想飛的自由落體" that I immediately recognized as the song they used during heartfelt times in the same drama, Office Girls (which I recommend). The clips from the drama in the music video helped too. I knew that I had to check out the rest of the album, and downloaded it that instant.

After listening through the entire album, I knew I had found a gem. It is the first Asian album on my iPod that isn't Korean or Japanese (mind you any Japanese song is performed by someone who is Korean). And it won't be my last. It is most likely my favourite album I've listened to this year. {With G-Dragon's "One of a Kind" following close behind.} There is a song in almost every genre, ballad, pop, R&B, dance, electro, a little rock flair. And I so desperately want to learn Mandarin so I can understand at least one word.

I know you're probably thinking "if you don't understand, why listen?" Well, I didn't understand any Korean when I first listened to K-Pop and now I can read it, and use sentences, as well as understand most of the lyrics. It takes time. But, aside from that, she has a beautiful voice and the songs hit so many notes that I just want to keep listening.

The songs "针", "哇哇叫", "反派"  are fun songs with beats that remind me of popping bubbles, heavy electric guitar rifs and loud singing that is mesmerizing & has me dancing every time I'm trying to do something else like the dishes or clean my room. #Fail. :]

Then there's the final song, "话说夏娃" that is light and airy, a simple pop sound with paired with her sweet melodic voice
The flow of this album is perfect. It's like a roller coaster to get you up on your feet, sit down and chill and then back up again. You start off with a hyper song and end with a chill song.

I'll be checking more out from Genie, as well as any of the dramas she's been in. One of her songs, "話說夏娃" is actually the theme song of a recent drama she's been acting in and is now the next drama I'll be watching. In fact, I may start it tonight! (especially because there will be 32 episodes & 8 are up already.)
If you're a K-Pop, J-Pop, or a pop fan in general, you should definitely check out this album!!

Bonus video:
The music video that caught my attention and made me love her. "不要不要 (Bu Yao Bu Yao)"