A medical electrical lead having a pre-formed atrial portion assuming a distinctive U-shape is disclosed. The U-shaped atrial portion of the lead is configured and dimensioned to cause at least one atrial electrode disposed thereon to be pushed against the right atrial wall or right atrial sinus wall through pushing forces generated by the lead pressing against regions of the heart located near the superior vena cava or the tricuspid valve, and/or through the action of gravity. The lead provides superior coupling of the atrial electrodes thereof to the walls of the right atrium, and may be configured for single pass DDD stimulation of the right atrium and the right ventricle or other portions of the heart such as the coronary sinus or the great cardiac vein.