Simon Cowell has teased One Direction fans by lavishing praise on their forthcoming new album.

The band are releasing their second album 'Take Me Home' on November 12 - only a year after their debut 'Up All Night'.

With the popularity of the record's lead single 'Live While We're Young - which topped pre-order charts worldwide ahead of its September 30 release - it seems that 'Take Me Home' is set to be a global smash.

Simon Cowell helped piece together the band from solo contestants on the 2010 X Factor series and promptly signed them up to his record label.

He took to Twitter today (September 27) to effuse praise on the album, saying:

"I heard most of the new one direction album today. It really is a fantastic album. I can't wait for you guys to hear it."

He continued: "When you hear or see something you have been a part of which is fantastic you realise how important your partners are. I am very lucky."