olympia 81 is named after the last series of concerts that dalida held at the olympia theatre to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of her singing career, which was met by phenomenal success. the album includes various style of songs, some of which are personal and are inspired from dalida's life like "à ma manière" and "partir ou mourir". other songs from the album are dance songs like "la feria" and "chanteur des années 80". among notable songs of the album, "il pleut sur bruxelles" is a tribute to late belgian singer jacques brel.