Madonna rocks out

Madonna's latest album will be heavily rock influenced - after being inspired by glam British rockers The Darkness.

The pop superstar's new material, which is being released later this year, will have a much edgier feel to it - replacing the poppy, dance sound that could be heard on her last album 'American Life'.

The 46-year-old singer, who is married to British film director Guy Ritchie, will also play most of the guitar rifts herself as she wants the album to sound as if it's been made by a "real band".

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Madonna has become a real fan of Franz Ferdinand and loves the kitschy sound of The Darkness. She is moving more in that direction - real sounds, like a real band. Her new album has a real hard rock feel to it.

"She always keeps in touch with what is happening and has been really into the guitar-based rock bands of 2004."

Madonna has always asked several big name producers to help on the project including Swedish duo Shy and Avant, who produced 'Toxic' for Britney Spears.

The album will also include a cover of John Lennon's classic hit 'Imagine', which she showcased on her 2004 're-Invention' tour.