Lovers in Prague Original Soundtrack (2CD+DVD) (Taiwan Version) DVD Region All

A contemporary Korean version of Audrey Hepburn's Roman Holiday, Lovers In Prague sees recently crowned Cannes queen Jeon Do Yeon playing Korea's First Daughter who falls in love with a quirky but charming detective portrayed deftly by Kim Joo Hyuk. Speaking of love that conquers all, Lovers in Prague entrances you into the romantic, historical atmosphere of Prague for which the drama does an excellent job as tour guide.

Musical director Choi Sung Wook, also responsible for the hot-selling soundtracks of I Am Sorry, I Love You and All In, works his magic again with the Lovers In Prague OST. Perfectly complementing the drama while providing entertainment value on its own, the soundtrack rolls out a slew of creative talents like Yim Jae Bum, T (a.k.a. Yoon Mi Rae), Cho Kyu Man, Yoo Hae Joon, and Park Hak Ki. Five member boy band Paran lend their vocals to the main love theme, Once (CD 1 - Track 9), which immediately strikes chord upon first hearing with its catchy mid-tempo melody. Highlighted by the group's soulful and husky rendition, Once draws out emotional inspiration - a confidence booster for anyone craving some encouragement.

The sleeper hit of the album, Dahn Hana Eh Sarang ("The Only Love") (CD 1 - Track 4), made its singer Yoo Hae Joon an overnight sensation. Donning Michael Bolton's soulful huskiness, Yoo melts you like butter with his luscious baritone voice. The calm peaceful interplay between guitar plucking and percussion shaker spread throughout the song projects an overall feel of European ambience and romance. Another nod to Prague, Muluju Te (CD 2 - Track 12), which means "I Love You" in Czech, is aptly used throughout the series. This gripping, heart-racing instrumental score opens with a rumbling piano riff followed by an orchestral outburst. Like the pounding drumbeats of Ave Maria from the Stairway to Heaven soundtrack, this number manages to eke out some intense anxiety, not to mention goosebumps, and soars to the uppermost heights of emotion.

One of the best instrumental scores I've heard in years, No Eul ("Sunset") (CD 2 - Track 8) instantaneously pulls the trigger of past heartaches, but then gradually oozes out the air of hope and optimism. Kim Si Jin's Lovers In Prague (CD 1 - Track 5), a cruising-tempo ballad reminding me of Weather Report's Good, Good, is another highlight. Kim's smooth honest vocals sound inviting and down to earth, while the guitar strumming accentuates the beauty of acoustic arrangement. Capturing the many musical colors that ignite the sparks of the drama, this beautifully crafted soundtrack offers an experience worth numerous spins.