The Rising: 2011 Summer Playlist, Vol. 1

Slip into that swimsuit. Pick up that trashy beach read. And listen up.

Allow me to present my suggested soundtrack for the Summer of '11, twenty tunes you'll want to download ASAP while you lather up some sunscreen and break out the flip-flops. You can thank me later with a daiquiri...

1. "Wet" by Nicole Scherzinger - With lyrics like "Dripping down my neck, soaking wet, sink or swim or you drown" set to a hard bassline, how could this NOT be required poolside listening? (Also try: "Killer Love")



2. "Criminal" by Britney Spears - Arguably the most redeeming track from the dance-heavy Femme Fatale, this mid-tempo breezer is a theme song for anyone looking for a scandalous summer fling. (Also try: "I Wanna Go")

3. "Papi" by Jennifer Lopez - The holy union of J.Lo and RedOne delivers with fierce flair. Previously seen as my Theme Song for May.

4. "Do It In The AM" by Frankmusik feat. Far East Movement - Despite that "Far East Movement" credit, I'm happy to see this British electro-popster hitting the airwaves again

5. "The Edge of Glory" by Lady GaGa - Naturally.

6. "Wonderland" by Natalia Kills - She doesn't believe in fairy tales, but you should believe in this underrated artist:



7. "Don't Turn Out The Lights" by NKOTBSB - For those of you jonsing for the days when it was okay to blare "I Want it That Way" in your college dorm room...and for those of you who bought tickets to the summer tour.

8. "Kiss Me Slowly" by Parachute - A Glee-ready, pop-rock ditty perfect for those prone to puppy love.

9. "Who Says" by Selena Gomez and the Scene - To prep you for Ms. Gomez's big-screen debut (Monte Carlo) this July.

10. "Last Friday Night (TGIF)" by Katy Perry - And you thought "California Gurls" was the definitive summer jam:



11. "Adolescents" by Incubus
12. "Turning Tables" by Adele
13. "Let's Get It Started" by Paris Wells
14. "Call Your Girlfriend (Kaskade Remix)" by Robyn
15. "Unspoken" by Hurts
16. "Don't Wanna Go Home" by Jason Derulo:



17. "Bounce" by Calvin Harris feat. Kelis
18. "I Wrote the Book" by Beth Ditto
19. "Victim of Love" by Cash Cash
20. "Don't Stop" by the Glee Cast