Simon Cowell believes One Direction's forthcoming new record is "great".

The British-Irish boyband are due to release their third effort 'Midnight Memories' on November 25 and the collection is highly anticipated.

Cowell helped to form the group on the UK X Factor in 2010 and soon after signed them up to his record label.

Speaking to Hollywire, the music mogul confirmed that One Direction had more input into this album, which in turn created a positive effect. He said:

"I think everyone's going to like it. They've had a lot more to do with it, in the writing and the choosing of the songs."

Cowell continued: "They've matured as a band. But it's a great album."

The X Factor USA judge added that he was initially worried by the prospect of letting the band have more creative input, but he concluded that they have "done well".

'Midnight Memories' follows up One Direction's previous effort 'Take Me Home', which hit No.1 in charts across the world last year.

The group have so far preceded the record with the single 'Story of My Life'.