Only for the Lonely

Only for the Lonely is the second solo studio by American rhythm and blues and gospel singer Mavis Staples. It was released on October 12, 1970, by Volt Records.

Critical reception
In the Billboard issue dated October 24, 1970, a review was published saying, "This album is at once dramatic and sensuous, and warm and appealing. Mavis Staples is cast in the same mold that produced recording greats like Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson and Etta James, and she can really deliver a song. Included here are "It Makes Me Want to Cry," "How Many Times," "Since I Fell for You" and "Endlessly".

Cashbox published a review of the album in the issue dated October 31, 1970, which said, "Mavis Staples is a brilliant songstress with an incredibly powerful voice. Listening to her perform on an album, one cannot help but feel that she is in fact performing live in your living room. "I Have Learned to Do Without You," "Endlessly," "Since I Fell for You," and "It Makes Me Wanna Cry," are among the more impressive cuts, but each is a gem in its own right. For Mavis, it's the second release in a bright, shining career."

Personnel
Adapted from the album liner notes.
 * Barry Beckett - keyboards
 * Joel Brodsky - photography
 * Vernon Bullock - guitar, keyboards
 * Ron Capone - engineer
 * Steve Cropper - guitar
 * Don Davis - engineer
 * Donald "Duck" Dunn - bass
 * Eli Fountain - percussion, saxophone
 * Marlin Greene - engineer
 * Don Hahn - producer, engineer
 * Roger Hawkins - drums
 * Isaac Hayes - organ
 * Eddie Hinton - guitar
 * David Hood - bass
 * Al Jackson, Jr. - drums
 * David Krieger - art direction
 * Herb Kole - art supervisor
 * George McGregor - drums
 * Ray Monette - guitar
 * Tony Newton - bass
 * Horace Ott - string arrangements
 * Paul Richmond - mastering
 * Rudy Robinson - keyboards
 * Mavis Staples - lead vocals
 * Marvell Thomas - piano