Which DKC Game is the Best?

[Declan]

Nintentacle said:

Declan said:
Jungle Beat, easily.

A true masterpiece, but this is for Donkey Kong Country games only.

I'll admit the word country does not appear in the title, but in terms of genre, setting and aesthetics it's surely part of the series? Replace the bongos with a joypad and what are the differences (other than quality)?