Okay, I'll start with Adrian, and I'll add 2 seperate posts for Dave and Janick later. I think one or 2 of my choices may surprise some people! These are in no particular order, and where chosen as these were the first 10 that popped into my head, which I think is the best way to make decisions like this.
1. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (9:10 - 9:39)
A lot of this solo's success has almost as much to do with the build up to it, as the solo itself. As soon as Bruce screams "Then down it falls from the raaaaaiiin!" the tension just builds and builds to a crescendo as Adrian's solo explodes onto the scene creating a sound that is truly dramatic and powerful. The solo itself is full of drama, with the strumming part in particular (9:16 - 9:20) actually heightening the tension in the solo to wonderful effect. The instrumental parts of this song tell as much of the epic story as the words, and Adrian's solo is probably the most attention grabbing aspect of it. A truly spine tingling moment, which even now gives me goosebumps as it approaches!
2. The Prisoner (3:43 - 4:37)
Again, the build up adds hugely to the effect of this solo, although in this case, the build up is actually part of the solo. The intricate (I've played it on guitar, and it is more intricate than it sounds, believe me!) hammer ons and pull offs of the lead section right after the second chorus immediately creates a sense of tension, which increases even further during it's second half once the rest of the band fully back Adrian with their thundering rhythms. Clive Burr's hammering drums backing this lead really causes the hairs on the back of the neck to raise up! When Adrian finally lets loose with his solo it's frenetic and lively, but still with a sense of class that is a hallmark of H's solo work. The way he plays this solo at the 1982 Hammersmith show is even better than the studio version, especially the choice of note he chooses to end the first half of the solo with, which is different to the one on the studio version. It just gives it even more emotion and bite!
3. The Evil That Men Do (3:16 - 3:41)
This solo really is a thing of beauty, the synth guitar he uses here just embellishing every wondrous note to take on an even more majestic tone. I sometimes tear up whilst listening to this solo, it's just so emotionally powerful.
4. Sea Of Madness (2:27 - 2:54)
Adrian totally shines on Somewhere In Time, probably overall, more than on any other album. But this solo is my fave one from either H or Davey on this album. Like the above solo this one is beautiful, but also, infused with a darkness and intensity which that solo lacks. It's a very emotional solo, and I also have to mention his shorter solo very shortly afterwards during the slower section (3:07 - 3:20), which is very subdued, and perfectly compliments the beautifully bleak atmosphere of that section of the song. This one is possibly H's most underrated solo, just magical stuff.
5. Isle Of Avalon (4:30 - 5:30)
Whilst not as emotional or dramatic as some of H's other solos, the reason why I love this one so much, is because it's style wise, very reminiscent of Alex Lifeson from Rush. Alex is a very underrated guitarist, and one of my faves of all time, and H pulls out a solo here that could have been played by the great man himself. What it lacks in drama, it totally makes up for in it's captivating, and mesmerising qualities. An understated, but still absolutely wonderful solo!
6. To Tame A Land (5:18 - 5:37)
The main thing that I love about this solo, is the Eastern vibe of it, which of course, fits the song to a tee, as well as being a style that I partiuclarly love. The section from 5:22 - 5:27 especially, makes me feel like I've been instantly transported to the Eastern sands! Another very underrated solo by Adrian, but for me, definitely one of his best.
7. The Duellists (3:38 - 4:13)
When people ask me why I consider The Duellists one of my fave Maiden songs, I always bring up it's amazing mid-section between the 2nd chorus and 3rd verse, as a key factor in my thoughts regarding the song. Again, the lead up to H's solo in this one is something that increases the impact that the solo has when it arrives. The section before H's solo is in itself, a piece of total melodrama, and the solo itself is just incredible, heightening the intensity even more. It's assured and smooth, but also explosive, which makes it such a delight to listen to! It's probably just behind Sea Of Madness as H's most underrated solo.
8. Lord Of Light (5:15 - 5:37)
Devilish, bluesy, and immensely tuneful, H's solo here is helped by being backed by an immense ryhthm riff, which he takes full advantage of. Over the crushing backdrop, he provides, a smooth, but tantalizing solo that is almost hypnotising in it's phrasing. Almost like a guitar equivelant of Kaa singing "Trust In Me"! xD
9. Caught Somewhere In Time (4:05 - 4:50)
Although Davey also plays a great solo in this one, H totally upstages him with a towering display of guitar wizadry and theatrics that's almost like fireworks going off inside my speakers! The solo itself starts off with some great harmonic tricks, and then gradually builds in tension as it nears it's conclusion. The tapping and divebombing during the solo's final section is simply breathtaking, and finishes off an amazing solo in spectacular style!
10. Children Of The Damned (3:21 - 3:41)
Like a couple of the other solos I've mentioned in this list, the prelude to the solo itself, gives it added power. The harmony section shared by H and Davey just before the solo, is itself a captivating piece of drama, which leads into a surging rhythm riff by Davey, complimented of course by a wonderful tapping solo by H. Although it's quite simplistic compared to some of the other solos I've listed here, what makes this one so great, is it's powerful execution. It sounds truly explosive, and adds an added layer of intensity to an already tension laden section of the song. There's more to this one that meets the eye.
I have missed out a few other of my fave H solos here, but I think going with the first ones that came into my head was a good way to go.
