Art Blakey, whose career spanned nearly 50 years of Black music history, exemplifies the timeless role of the drums in jazz. The Album of the Year LP, originally released in 1981, features the Jazz Messengers: trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonists Robert Watson and Bill Pierce, pianist James Williams, and bassist Charles Fambrough, alongside drummer and bandleader Art Blakey. The album was recorded in Paris, and tracks include 'Cheryl' (written by Charlie Parker), 'Witch Hunt', 'Soulful Mister Timmons,' and 'Little Man,' among others. The accompanying liner notes on the back sleeve were written by Ted Panken.

Album of the Year is available as a limited edition on red colored vinyl and affixed on the plastic sleeve is the 50th Anniversary Timeless sticker.