In this franchise, we look back on songs that deserved a little more love and attention.

After commanding dancers to dip it low and pick it up slow, Christina Milian switched it up with “Us Against the World” in 2008. The stand-alone single represented a new beginning for the pop star, who had ended her contract with Island Records citing creative differences. Instead of returning with more of the same (i.e. a sexy bop), she dropped a ballad. Inspired by romances like Romeo and Juliet, the self-penned anthem showcased Christina’s vocals as she swore to love her partner through all sorts of tragedies.

“If the sun shuts down and decided not to shine no more, I would still have you, baby,” Christina belts over soaring production. “If we see the last day and they say we gotta go to war, I’ll be fighting with you.” Sweeping strings and twinkling synths build under the diva’s voice, providing perfect support for her emotional vows. The accompanying music video brought the song to life as Christina braved a barren desert while searching for her partner. Shot in sepia tones and featuring a variety of glamorous looks, the stark post-apocalyptic visual commanded attention.

In a perfect world, the single would have propelled the songstress to new heights — but it didn’t quite work out that way. Without the backing of a label, “Us Against The World” failed to impact the charts despite being overwhelmingly lovely. The ballad remains Christina’s last official solo single, but she has popped up on a couple of features including The Stafford Brothers’ “Hello” and Lil Wayne’s “Start A Fire.” Revisit the underrated gem below.

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