I used to think that "Dry County" was like a prelude to the These Days album. Not so much musically, but in terms of tone and lyrical content and that Bon Jovi were about to show they're not an band who just play good-time hard rock. Then you could look at These Days like building on ideas and themes mentioned in the song. I was only 6 when Keep the Faith was released, so I'm not speaking from experience or anything, but if i was older (and a fan) back then, that would probably be my feeling.