Even though the Hobbit is a different style, I think you really need to read it first in order to appreciate the trilogy.

I read all four books, for the first time, in my freshman year of college during a week long jag. I had a bad habit of going on such jags during that period of my life, skipping innumerable classes. Wish I still had that level of energy and concentration I did back then.

I started on The Silmarillion several times, but have never really gotten much into it. It's still staring me in the face all these years later - reminding me that I have to get around to it one of these years.

As for originality, Tolkien did a lot of research in Nordic mythology, so I think a lot of what he writes is borrowed - with Hobbits being his main edition to the lore.