that's great DKL games are fun. By the by since you played 3 the first one won't be as good, It's like playing SMB3 then going to 1, still fun though. Have fun man.
I don't think any of them outshine each other. DKL3 is huge and polished, but way, WAY easier than the first two.
DKL2 is big but has too much in common with DKC2 (it's still not the same game).
DKL1 is buggy and lacks polish, but it's the most unique and difficult. Rare made it legitimately different from DKC1, with many new environments, baddies, and ideas exclusive to this game. Sadly, there was no room left for an actual ending.