(Image Source: AmyWinehouse.com)

BY CHRISTINA HONAN

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

It’s official — Amy Winehouse’s music will be given new life after death. Splash TV has the story on the late artist’s soon-to-be-released third album.

“Amy Winehouse, Lioness: Hidden Treasures is a collection of never before heard original music and cover songs by the late artist that will be released in December. One song tells of cheating by ex-hubby, Blake Fielder-Civil, while another was reportedly recorded while the troubled star was under the influence of heroin.”

The announcement was made Monday morning on Winehouse’s website. The album, Lioness: Hidden Treasures, is set to be released on December 5th by Island Records.

The album will feature 12 tracks of previously unreleased songs, alternate versions of existing songs, and a few brand new compositions including her collaboration with Tony Bennett.

Lioness was compiled by Winehouse's longtime musical partners Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, her management and the record label. According to a statement on Winehouse’s website, Ronson and Remi became determined to release the songs after they realized what they had, calling it —

"A collection of songs that deserved to be heard, a collection of songs that were a fitting testament to Amy the artist and, as importantly, Amy their friend."

Still, they couldn’t go ahead with the album without first consulting the Winehouse family. According to E! Online, Winehouse’s father Mitch gave them his blessing:

"If the family had felt that this album wasn't up to the standard of Frank and Back to Black, we would never have agreed to release it and we believe it will stand as fitting tribute to Amy's musical legacy.”

But after also announcing an “Amy” memoir to be released next year, Winehouse’s father has been accused of taking it all too far in the name of publicity.

Bloggers like one at the LA Times, have called his announcements “ill-advised at best.”

Fans are also split over the announcement. Users of NME.com took to the internet to express their disapproval. The site reports getting plenty of comments like these:

"Just in time for Christmas? That’s a little bit sick don’t you think?"

"Cashing in on her death, typical.”

Still, Mitch insists his motives for releasing the album are genuine. He told The Sun that during her life, he spent so much time chasing after her and telling her off that he didn’t realize what a genius she was:

"It wasn't until I sat down with the rest of the family and listened to this album that I fully appreciated the breadth of her talent. From jazz standards to hip-hop songs, it took my breath away."

A portion of each album sold in the U.K. will go to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which her family established after her death to help disadvantaged youth.

Transcript by Newsy.