Lana Del Rey Renames Country Album to ‘Stove,’ Sets January 2026 Release Date

Lana Del Rey, the alt-pop luminary known for her melancholic anthems and evocative storytelling, has confirmed a major update to her next musical chapter: her much-anticipated country record will no longer bear the name ‘Lasso.’ Instead, the album will be released as ‘Stove’ and is now slated to arrive in January 2026, according to her recent statement to W Magazine .

Del Rey’s foray into country music marks a significant stylistic shift from her signature cinematic pop and indie rock influences. The artist first revealed her plans to explore the country genre in late 2023, teasing fans with the working title ‘Lasso’ and suggesting collaborations with Nashville-based songwriters and producers . This pivot was met with curiosity and excitement, given Del Rey’s history of blending Americana motifs with modern melancholia.

The project’s journey has not been without delays. While the album was originally intended for a spring 2025 release, Del Rey chose to postpone the launch to add six new tracks, aiming for a more expansive and authentic country experience. As she told W Magazine, “I wanted to make sure the story I’m telling is complete, and that meant taking a little more time to write and record” .

The decision to rename the album from ‘Lasso’ to ‘Stove’ reflects both the organic evolution of the project and Del Rey’s penchant for evocative, metaphor-laden imagery. While she has not publicly detailed the specific inspiration behind the new title, fans and critics are already speculating about the symbolism. ‘Stove’ conjures images of warmth, home, and gathering—a nod perhaps to the communal roots of country music and the intimate, vulnerable songwriting that Del Rey is known for . In the context of her discography, the title stands as both a literal and figurative hearth for a new era.

Del Rey’s venture into country comes at a time of renewed conversations about representation and inclusion within the genre. Country music has historically struggled with issues of diversity and LGBTQ+ visibility, despite the genre’s deep connections to themes of personal struggle, resilience, and authenticity . In recent years, out LGBTQ+ artists such as Brandi Carlile, Orville Peck, and T.J. Osborne have been at the forefront of pushing country music toward greater inclusivity .

Del Rey’s status as a queer-adjacent icon—her music frequently cited as a source of solace, inspiration, and community among LGBTQ+ listeners—makes her move into country particularly resonant. For many LGBTQ+ fans, Del Rey’s vulnerability and her embrace of outsider narratives have provided a sense of belonging in a mainstream space. Her willingness to engage with country, a genre that has sometimes marginalized queer voices, sends a powerful message about the possibilities for change and bridge-building .

The announcement has been met with a wave of enthusiasm and speculation from fans and industry observers. Social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, have seen hashtags such as #Stove and #LanaGoesCountry trending internationally since the news broke . LGBTQ+ listeners in particular have expressed excitement about the prospect of hearing Del Rey interpret country’s storytelling traditions through her unique, emotionally charged lens.

LGBTQ+ music journalist Alex Chen commented, “Lana’s new project has the potential to challenge stereotypes about who country music is for and what stories it can tell. Her audience is incredibly diverse, and I expect Stove will resonate far beyond traditional genre boundaries” .

With ‘Stove’ now officially on the calendar for January 2026, anticipation is running high. While Del Rey has yet to share a full tracklist or reveal featured collaborators, early studio reports suggest the album will combine traditional country instrumentation with her trademark atmospheric production .

Fans and critics alike will be watching to see how Del Rey navigates the expectations of a new genre—and how her work might shape conversations about inclusion and representation within country music for years to come.