“Only the Lonely” is a melancholic new wave ballad by The Motels,written by band’s lead singer Martha Davis. It was released in April 1982 with “Change My Mind” as the lead single from their album All Four One. The song became the band’s biggest hit, known for its haunting atmosphere, emotional depth, and Martha Davis’ powerful vocal performance.
Lyrically, Only the Lonely explores feelings of sadness, longing, and regret, telling the story of someone who has chosen ambition over love, only to find themselves feeling isolated.
The song blends dreamy synthesizers, atmospheric guitar work, and a slow, steady beat, creating a moody, cinematic feel. Martha Davis’ soulful, aching vocals add to the song’s melancholy and nostalgic tone, making it one of the most emotionally resonant tracks of the early 80s new wave era.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming The Motels’ first Top 10 hit in the U.S.. It also received heavy MTV airplay, helping solidify the band’s place in the new wave movement.
The vintage-style music video was directed by Australian filmmaker Russell Mulcahy. It earned the award “Best Performance in a Music Video” at the American Music Awards.