GH1 has the best track list of them all but most of the challenge is bunched up in the last sets. GH2 is more interesting on a technical level through all sets but you probably won't recognize most of the songs, and Rocks the 80s has a great track list and IMO a scaling difficulty designed for 'the rest of us'.
Note: GH Rock the 80s has 30 songs and no unlockable songs, unlike GH1 and 2. GH Rock the 80s should suppliment either 1 or 2, but i'd prefer 1 every time. Iron Man and Spanish Castle Magic are king.