Only Lonely is definitely one of my favorite Bon Jovi songs. Like you said, there's just so much pain and emotion poured into it, it just comes out so beautiful. What I like about this song is that it has to do with Jon and the band and not someone else. With that said it's obvious the story is more personal resulting in a better performed song. The itself is also very beautiful. You see the emotion when Jon's singing into the mic.

There was actually an interesting interview that made reference to this album and Jon's relationship split with Dorothea:
I really don't understand why many people consider this album their weakest. Sure it wasn't there best, but there are some very powerful tracks on this album.... Oh well suppose it's all opinion.

Another great review Walrus. I love how you interpret the lyrics and the instruments every track contains. I'm going to go and read the Slipper When Wet review now.