POP LP CHART

Alexander O’Neal’s album “Hearsay” jumped six notches to No. 31. This soul singer is finally reaching the mainstream audience. His hit single “Fake” is prompting fans to buy the album. The hard-rocking group Great White’s “Once Bitten” (No. 34) is a surprise hit. In the week’s other noted crossover, Hank Williams Jr.--normally a big seller only in the country market--has a hit pop album with “Born to Boogie” (No. 28). Michael Jackson’s single, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” finally made it to No. 1, while his new single, “Bad,” entered the chart at No. 40. “Bad” the album will debut next week on the pop chart, possibly at No. 1. Other hot pop singles: Europe’s “Carrie” (No. 11), Heart’s “Who Will You Run To” (No. 18), Expose’s “Let Me Be the One” (No. 25) and Madonna’s “Causing a Commotion” (No. 33).

* Hoosier-rocker Mellencamp’s first LP since 1985, this album--which may be in the Top 10 on the next chart--debuted at No. 21 this week.

TITLE RANK RANK WEEKS LAST 2 WKS ON WEEK AGO CHART 1. La Bamba 1 3 9 Sound track (Warner Bros.) 2. Whitney 2 1 13 Whitney Houston (Arista) 3. Whitesnake 3 2 24 Whitesnake (Geffen) 4. Hysteria 4 4 5 Def Leppard (Polygram) 5. Bad Animals 5 5 15 Heart (Capitol) * The Lonesome Jubilee ---- ---- 1 John C. Mellencamp (Polygram)