A composition comprising, a rubber component selected from the group consisting of a rubber polymer, a synthetic rubber polymer, and combinations thereof; and an alkylphenol resin which is a reaction product of: at least one phenolic monomer selected from the group consisting of phenol, cresol, resorcinol, xylenol, ethyl phenol, alkylresorcinols, and combinations thereof; and at least one alkyl aldehyde having from 5 to 12 carbon atom alkyl groups, is disclosed. The composition can be used to prepare articles of manufacture such as tires, tire treads, tire shoulders, tire sidewalls, rubber belts, and rubber hoses.