X Factor finalist Marcus Collins is hoping that his debut album will help cheer everyone up as the country continues to wade through the recession.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Collins - who was mentored by Gary Barlow during the show - told of his desire to uplift people and "take their stress away".

His album, due for release on March 12, will be one of the first album releases to have come from the 2011 X Factor series, and he is hoping that his music will be able to perk up the nation. He said:

"I want people to be uplifted and to make songs that will make people feel good, to take their stress away. I used to buy music when I was skint in the hope of achieving that, and I hope this album will do the same. I hope it will cheer everyone up in this recession."

As previously reported, the first single to come off the album will be a cover of The White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army', with Collins promising to put his own stamp on the song.