Mariah Carey has revealed she plans to release a new album by the end of the year.

The 42-year-old, who has been largely absent from the pop scene since giving birth to twins Moroccan and Monroe in April last year, told Shape magazine that she can’t wait to get started on the follow-up to 2009’s 'Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel':

"I've started writing songs for a new album, which I hope will come out in 2012. Getting back in the studio and making music again — which I truly love doing — is the best way to end this crazy year."

The ‘We Belong Together’ singer, who was last seen lending her vocals to Christmas singles with Justin Bieber and John Legend, also revealed that husband Nick Cannon is on the mend following his recent stints in hospital.

Discussing his battles with kidney failure and lupus nephritus, Carey said: "It was really frightening, but he's feeling much stronger and is definitely on the right track. He's taking better care of himself, eating a diet low in sodium and sugar, and getting more sleep."