Several Singular Sensations

Great pop music is inspiring, irreverent, goofy, disarming, obsessive, silky, quirky, seductive, witty and mysterious--and there’s at least one of those qualities in every record in this salute to the most engaging singles so far in 1992.

U2’s “One” tops the list because it embraces the most important of those characteristics.

One of several tunes from the Irish band’s captivating “Achtung Baby” album that mixes the latest pop-rock textures with classic, purposeful themes, “One” is a tale of troubled relationships that is at once inspiring, obsessive, seductive and mysterious.

The other entries on the list range from the irreverent alternative-rock stylings of Cracker’s “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)” to the goofy vitality of Kris Kross’ “Jump” to the silky R&B; commentary of Arrested Development’s “Tennessee.”

1--U2’s “One” (Island Records). At the same time it was being hailed in the ‘80s as the world’s greatest rock group, U2 was criticized by some as self-righteous and musically predictable because of its spiritually tinged anthems about humankind’s highest ideals.

So the competitive quartet took the challenge and made an album--”Achtung Baby”--that combined jarring dance-rock textures with songs about more temporal matters, including the disappointment and deceit of relationships. It was a remarkable mix of craft and strategy that not only held on to the group’s old fans, but made converts out of many of its critics.

The songs worked splendidly during the group’s recent Sports Arena shows, but none more so than this eloquent statement about the complexities of love--a concept expanded from conventional pop romance to also include family members and other relationships. The song, which began as the story of a father trying to reconcile with his estranged, AIDS-stricken son, is an eloquent work that does just what U2’s music always has: inspire and touch.

2--Cracker’s “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)” (Virgin). In a quick change of pace, David Lowery thumbs his nose at rock-as-commentary--an exercise that is all the more fun because of the obvious contradiction involved. In a spirited record that is a bigger hit on alternative/college radio than on the mainstream dial, the trio blends the guitar-ringing punch of the Rolling Stones with the insolence of Nirvana as Lowery shouts, What the world needs now / Is another folk singer / Like I need a hole in my head . . . What the world needs is a new Frank Sinatra / So I can get you in bed.

3--Kris Kross’ “Jump” (Columbia). The strength here isn’t depth, but dynamics--and the teen hip-hop duo excels.

4--TLC’s “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg” (LaFace/Arista). More stylish, disarming and youthful hip-hop, but with a sexy, feminist edge.

5--The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Far Gone and Out” (Def American). Here’s a band truly hooked on a feeling, which is obsessive behavior. Like all Jesus and Mary Chain singles before it, “Far Gone and Out” captures the glow of the brightest pop dreams.

6--Arrested Development’s “Tennessee” (Chrysalis). This imaginative Georgia outfit mixes the smooth hip-hop/R&B; feel of Soul II Soul with an original and uplifting social vision.

7--Concrete Blonde’s “Ghost of a Texas Ladies’ Man” (I.R.S.). Combines the authority and gallop of the Pretenders with the mysterious but arty currents of film director Wim Wenders.

8--L.A. Style’s “James Brown Is Dead” (Arista)--Techno-pop that is wry and witty and irresistible. Rave on.

9--Mark Chesnutt’s “Old Flames Have New Names” (MCA)--A lively, good-natured country hit about a guy who returns to town after a few years and finds some surprises when he dials up some old girlfriends.

10--The KLF’s “Justified and Ancient” (Arista). Who knows or cares what this novelty is really about? It’s simply seductive in its silly, dance-happy way.

Another Mid-Year 10: Colleague Dennis Hunt nominates Kris Kross’ “Jump” as the best single of the last six months. The rest of his Top 10, in order: TLC’s “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” Arrested Development’s “Tennessee,” Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch’s “I Need Money,” Vanessa Williams’ “Save the Best for Last,” Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back,” Prince’s “Diamonds and Pearls,” Sophie B. Hawkins’ “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” and Joe Public’s “Live and Learn.”