Instruct: Classify Amazon reviews into positive or negative sentiment
Query: A Step Backwards

Through thier first four studio releases the listener can chart musical (and perhaps emotional) growth in the Eels music. Shootenanny makes me wonder if E's songwriting inspirartion has dried up. Maybe it just disappeared with his beard. None of these songs stand out as anything more than standard rock progressions with alternatingly grim or cliche lyrics.I'd come to expect alot from Mr. E. - Maybe he'll take his time with his next record and and put a little more heart into it. Or maybe he's just peaked and will spend his remaining days riding the coat tails of his past accomplishments.