Haven't played WoW in about 11 years, and barely played it then, so have no idea what's good or bad. What is a decent class to solo the full game for the first time? Everything I see online points to a BM hunter, but I feel like I would enjoy a melee character more at the start.

Cant go wrong with melee, I would suggest maybe a monk paladin or druid. This way you could try other talents and see if you like healing/tanking/dps. Good luck to you.

Night Elf Druid all the way!