George Michael is set to release a new album.

The 'Careless Whisper' singer, who sparked retirement rumours last month after shutting down his website, has announced his sixth solo record 'Symphonica' will be released in March.

The 50-year-old star teased fans by removing all content from georgemichael.com, leaving just a closed red curtain and the message: ''Exciting news coming in 2014.''

He's now planning to release his latest record on March 17, which is named after his 2011-12 orchestral concert tour of the same name.

The album includes highlights from George's back catalogue as well as covers of songs, such as Nina Simone's 'My Baby Just Cares For Me', and the lead single 'Let Her Down Easy', a cover of the Terence Trent D'Arby song, which will be accompanied by a new video.

It is also the final work from the late Phil Ramone, who co-produced 'Symphonica' with the Faith star.

George is back to his best after suffering injuries in a near fatal car crash in May when he fell out the passenger seat of a Range Rover on a busy M1 motorway near St Albans, close to London.

The star, who has also previously battled pneumonia, was airlifted to hospital - where he remained for two weeks - after suffering head injuries, cuts and bruises.

Despite his health problems, the singer signed a huge record deal with Universal Music last year and is set to follow up his 2004 record 'Patience'.

He brought out a Greatest Hits album 'Twenty Five' which debuted at number one in 2006 and last year unveiled the track 'White Light', with Kate Moss starring in the video.

A song from the new record, 'Praying For Time', will soon be available for free download.